Eddie Rosario and the Washington Nationals are in agreement on a split contract. Meaning that can pay the veteran up to $4 million after incentives, reports Daniel Alvarez Montes of El Extra Base. Joining the Nationals on a minor league deal helps potentially improve the roster. Rosario had a 1.1 WAR and a 100 OPS+ as well as a 100 wRC+ during the 2023 season. Rosario primarily played left field for the Braves but has experience having played at all three outfield positions.
Nationals to Sign Eddie Rosario
Rosario, 32, is a veteran of nine big league seasons who will be joining his fourth MLB club. He appeared in 142 games last season with the Atlanta Braves last season, tallying a .255/.305/.450 batting line with 21 home runs, a 6.6% walk rate and a 23.6% strikeout rate. From 2017 to 2020, Rosario was a key presence in the middle of the Minnesota Twins lineup. He popped 96 home runs and hitting .281/.317/.493. His bat has tallied off since then, however, Rosario’s run with the Braves following his acquisition at the 2021 trade deadline helped push Atlanta to the postseason. His heroic performance in that year’s National League Championship Series won him MVP honors.
With the Nationals, Rosario can give manager Dave Martinez another veteran to compete for time in left field. He will join Jesse Winker in that regard. Center field figures to be manned by Victor Robles with Lane Thomas slated for reps in right field.
In his career, Rosario has a .268/.305/.460 line with 159 home runs and 548 RBI. This is along with a career 12.4 WAR a career 104 OPS+ as well as a career 102 wRC+ for Rosario. Rosario has not made an All-Star team or won a Gold Glove or a Silver Slugger. In 2019 and 2020 Rosario received AL MVP votes.
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