The Atlanta Braves made a surprising move this past week when they declined their club option on Eddie Rosario, the 2021 NLCS MVP. This decision has sparked speculation and raised questions about the Braves’ plans for the outfielder. As fans reflect on Rosario’s time with the team, it is important to review his performance and contributions.
Rosario joined the Braves as a postseason hero in 2021, and many believed that his impressive performance would secure him a spot on the team for the 2022-2023 seasons. However, the Braves ultimately decided to let him play out the final year of his two-year, $18 million contract. This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering the availability of other outfielders like Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson.
Unfortunately, Rosario’s 2022 season did not live up to expectations. He struggled with an eye issue that affected his performance both offensively and defensively. His production plummeted, and he finished the season with a -1.1 fWAR, making him one of the worst-performing position players that year.
Heading into the 2023 season, expectations for Rosario were low. Projections indicated that he would be a replacement-level player or slightly below. Even with the assumption that his eye issues would be resolved, it was clear that he was not the type of player you would want starting on a contender. Despite these projections, Rosario managed to exceed expectations and posted a 1.4 fWAR in 516 plate appearances. His slash line of .255/.305/.450 was league average in terms of wRC+, and his defensive performance improved significantly.
While Rosario’s 2023 season was an improvement from the previous year, it still fell short of average production. Fans had hoped for a repeat of his impressive 134 wRC+ from the 2021 season, but that level of performance was unlikely over a full season.
There were several positive aspects of Rosario’s 2023 season. His walk rate improved, and he adjusted his batting style to generate more hard-hit balls. His quality of contact improved across the board, and he had the most total barrels in a season since 2019. Defensively, Rosario had one of his best seasons in recent years, earning a Gold Glove nomination in left field.
However, there were also areas where Rosario struggled. Despite his increased power, his strikeout rate and walk rate remained below average. He struggled with pitch selection and swung at too many bad pitches, resulting in missed opportunities. Additionally, he hit into double plays in extra innings on two separate occasions, leading to walkoff losses for the Braves.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Rosario is now a free agent. The Braves declined his club option, leaving his future uncertain. It remains to be seen where he will land and what his role will be in the upcoming season. Braves fans will always be grateful for his contributions as a postseason hero in 2021, but it is unclear if he will return to the team.
In conclusion, Eddie Rosario’s time with the Atlanta Braves was a mixed bag. While he had moments of brilliance and exceeded expectations in some areas, he also struggled with consistency and had areas for improvement. As the Braves move forward, they will have to weigh the pros and cons of bringing Rosario back for another season or exploring other options in the outfield.The Atlanta Braves made a surprising move this past week when they declined their club option on Eddie Rosario, the 2021 NLCS MVP. This decision has sparked speculation and raised questions about the future of the talented outfielder. As Braves fans reflect on Rosario’s time with the team, it is important to review his performance and evaluate his impact.
Rosario joined the Braves as a postseason hero in 2021, playing a crucial role in their success. Many believed that his impressive playoff performance would secure his spot on the team for the 2022-2023 seasons. However, the Braves ultimately decided not to retain him, opting for other options such as Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson. Rosario played out the final year of his two-year, $18 million contract with the Braves in 2023.
Unfortunately, Rosario’s contract turned out to be disastrous. He struggled with an eye issue in 2022, resulting in a drop in production both offensively and defensively. His performance was abysmal in the first three weeks of April, and even after returning from his injury, he failed to regain his form. Rosario finished the season with a -1.1 fWAR, making him one of the worst-performing position players that year.
Heading into the 2023 season, expectations for Rosario were low. Projections indicated that he would be a replacement-level player or slightly below. Even considering his post-trade success in 2021, where he contributed 0.8 fWAR, it was clear that Rosario was not the type of player you would want as a starter on a contender.
Despite these low expectations, Rosario managed to exceed them in 2023. He posted a 1.4 fWAR in 516 plate appearances, with a slash line of .255/.305/.450. His offensive performance was league average, and his defensive skills improved significantly. Rosario received a Gold Glove nomination in left field, finishing the season with +2 OAA-runs. While some fans may have hoped for a repeat of his outstanding 134 wRC+ in 2021, it was unlikely to be sustained over a full season.
Several factors contributed to Rosario’s success in 2023. His walk rate improved, although it was still below average. He also adjusted his batting style to match that of his Braves teammates, resulting in higher hard-hit rates and exit velocities. His quality of contact improved across the board, with a .393 xwOBACON, the highest of his career. Defensively, Rosario had one of his best seasons, ranking among the top left fielders in the league.
However, there were also areas where Rosario struggled. Despite his improved power, he couldn’t overcome the increased strikeouts that came with his new approach. His strikeout and walk rates were both below average, and his whiff rate remained high. Rosario’s chase rate was among the worst in MLB, indicating that he struggled to identify good pitches to swing at. These issues limited his overall output and prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Looking ahead to 2024, Rosario’s future with the Braves is uncertain. He is currently a free agent and can sign with any team that offers him a deal. While it remains to be seen where he will land, Braves fans will always be grateful for his contributions in 2021 as a postseason hero.
Early projections for Rosario in 2024 suggest that he may be more suited for a bench role rather than a starting position. The projections indicate below-average batting and left field defense, seemingly disregarding his defensive improvements in 2023. While these projections may not fully account for his past struggles and recent progress, it is difficult to argue against the idea that Rosario’s best fit may be as a fifth outfielder.
As the offseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see where Rosario ends up and how his career progresses. Regardless of his future destination, his time with the Braves will be remembered, and fans will always appreciate his role as a postseason hero in 2021.