I said it yesterday, but I’m not sure the Braves could have started their offseason any better. They addressed the catcher position before the lockout by signing Manny Piña, arguably the best backstop available on the open market. Then they began with a bang after the lockout by trading for Matt Olson AND signing him to an eight-year extension. Yesterday, they added to their bullpen by signing one of the best bullpen free agents remaining — Colin McHugh — and just moments ago, they solidified their outfield by bringing back postseason hero Eddie Rosario.
#Braves Sign OF Eddie Rosario: pic.twitter.com/2JoKTeMcLU
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 16, 2022
The contract is for two years and $18 million guaranteed. There is also a club option for the 2024 season with no buyout.
The Braves needed another outfield bat, preferably from the left side, and Rosario is just that. He’s one of the most consistent hitters in the majors, recording a .792 OPS in every season from 2017-2020.
Last year, Rosario got off to a slow start with the Indians, and injuries set him back even further, but he was a menace once he joined the Braves. In 33 games for Atlanta, he posted a .903 OPS, and of course, who can forget his record-breaking NLCS performance, when he recorded 14 hits — five of which went for extra bases (three home runs).
The addition of Rosario likely takes the Braves out of the Jorge Soler sweepstakes, but I’m not sure they are quite done adding to their final roster. Atlanta could still use another outfield option, and some extra starting pitching wouldn’t hurt either.
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