Atlanta Braves Expected to Decline Eddie Rosario’s $9 Million Option
Deadline Looms for Major League Teams to Make Club Option Decisions
Monday marks the deadline for major league teams to exercise or decline club options for players, and the Atlanta Braves are facing a tough decision regarding outfielder Eddie Rosario. The Braves currently have five players with options for the 2024 season, including Rosario and pitcher Charlie Morton.
Braves are expected to decline Eddie Rosario’s $9M option by tomorrow. Close call and nothing official but that’s the expectation.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 5, 2023
Rosario, who played a crucial role as a postseason hero during the Braves’ run to the World Series in 2021, signed a two-year, $18 million deal that included a $9 million club option for the 2024 season. However, his first season under the new deal was marred by vision issues, as he underwent eye surgery to correct blurred vision. Despite his struggles, Rosario managed to appear in 80 games, hitting .212/.259/.328 with five home runs and a 62 wRC+.
In 2023, Rosario bounced back to his career norms after resolving his vision problems. He played in 142 games and recorded a batting average of .255, with an on-base percentage of .305 and a slugging percentage of .450. He also hit 21 home runs and achieved a league-average 100 wRC+. However, reports suggest that the Braves were actively pursuing a right-handed power bat during last season’s trade deadline, indicating a potential desire to upgrade the left field position.
Aside from Rosario and Morton, the Braves also face decisions regarding pitchers Collin McHugh, Kirby Yates, and Brad Hand before the looming deadline on Monday.