**Braves Reunite with Former Postseason Star Outfielder**
Since Ronald Acuna Jr.’s ACL tear on May 26, the Atlanta Braves have been on the lookout for a stable outfield replacement. With the MLB trade deadline approaching this month, the Braves are expected to actively pursue an outfielder. However, they have already made an early move by signing Eddie Rosario to a minor league deal, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Rosario, 32, was recently designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals to make room for top prospect James Wood. A reunion with the Braves seemed fitting, and it was realized on Friday.
Rosario was initially acquired by the Braves at the 2021 trade deadline, following Acuna Jr.’s first ACL injury. He was one of several outfielders brought in, including Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, and Jorge Soler. Rosario made a significant impact, particularly in the postseason.
In the final 33 games of the 2021 regular season, Rosario posted a .271/.330/.573 slash line. He elevated his performance in the postseason, hitting .383/.456/.617 with three home runs and an OPS of 1.073 over 16 games. His performance in the 2021 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers was remarkable, slashing .560/.607/1.040 with all three postseason home runs and an OPS of 1.647 in six games, earning him the 2021 NLCS Most Valuable Player title.
Rosario played with the Braves in the 2022 and 2023 seasons before signing with the Nationals in the offseason. During his time with the Nationals, he appeared in 67 games, slashing .183/.226/.329 with seven home runs, 26 RBIs, and an OPS of .555, marking the worst season of his career in terms of OPS. Both Rosario and the Braves are optimistic that a change of environment will help him regain his form.
Rosario will join Triple-A Gwinnett to work with the Braves’ hitting coaches. He aims to earn a call-up before the trade deadline, providing the Braves an opportunity to evaluate if they need another outfielder before July 30.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins, Rosario has spent his 10-year MLB career with the Twins, Cleveland Guardians, Braves, and Nationals.
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