Braves cut ties with fan-favorite, World Series hero after remarkably short stint
Context:
The Atlanta Braves are undergoing significant roster changes, resulting in the brief tenure of fan-favorite Eddie Rosario, who was designated for assignment just weeks after signing. Rosario, a key player in the Braves' 2021 World Series win, had minimal playtime in his recent stint, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a run scored in just four plate appearances. His assignment highlights the shifting dynamics in the team, which has also seen veteran reliever Jesse Chavez and pitcher Ian Anderson in and out of the roster multiple times. Rosario's recent history includes being cut by four organizations, signaling a challenging path back to major league play unless he opts to remain in Atlanta's minor league system. This roster volatility reflects the Braves' strategy of continuously reassessing their player lineup to optimize team performance.
Dive Deeper:
Eddie Rosario was a critical player in the Braves' 2021 World Series championship, known for his clutch performances, including three home runs and a 1.073 OPS that October.
Despite his past success, Rosario's third stint with the Braves was short-lived, lasting less than two weeks with minimal contribution of four plate appearances and eight innings in the outfield.
The Braves designated Rosario for assignment to make room for utility player Luke Williams, indicating a strategic shift in their roster management.
Rosario's recent career has been tumultuous, being released by four different organizations over the past year, including twice by the Braves, suggesting instability and the need for reassessment of his future in the major leagues.
The Braves' roster changes also involve other players like Jesse Chavez, who has re-signed multiple times recently, and Ian Anderson, who experienced a series of trades and waivers, reflecting the team's dynamic approach to maintaining competitive edge.
Eddie Rosario's potential path forward could involve joining the Braves' Triple-A team if he clears waivers and chooses to stay within the organization, highlighting the uncertain nature of his professional journey.
These developments underscore the Braves' ongoing adjustments to their roster, aiming to balance veteran experience with emerging talent to enhance overall team performance.
The Atlanta Braves' last few roster spots are becoming a musical chairs game, and lots of key figures in recent franchise history are getting lost in the shuffle.
On Apr. 28, the Braves signed outfielder Eddie Rosario to a major league contract, marking the third stint in the organization for the 2021 National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player.
Each stint has now been shorter than the last, as Rosario didn't last two weeks with the big-league club.
On Friday, the Braves announced that Rosario had been designated for assignment, with utility player Luke Williams called up from Triple-A to take his spot on the active roster.
In the time he was on the Braves roster this season, Rosario got all of four plate appearances. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a run scored. He also played just eight innings in the outfield.
Rosario isn't the only longtime Brave in limbo with the club this season. 41-year-old reliever Jesse Chavez has re-signed with the team three times in the last two months, and 27-year-old starter Ian Anderson was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, re-signed off waivers, DFA'd again, and outrighted to Triple-A.
The 33-year-old Rosario was a major figure in the Braves' World Series title run in 2021, hitting three clutch home runs and finishing October with a 1.073 OPS. He was also a productive starter for the Braves as recently as 2023, when he hit 21 home runs in 142 games.
But baseball happens fast, and Rosario has now been discarded by four organizations in the last year, including twice by the Braves. He faces a long road back to the big leagues, though he could head to Triple-A if he goes unclaimed on waivers and elects to stay in the Atlanta organization.
More MLB: Yankees encouraged to acquire $70 million Astros superstar in midseason blockbuster