The Atlanta Braves are coming off another playoff flameout after a dominant season. It’s clear that they need to make some changes to their roster, and they started that process today.
After the World Series, the Braves had up to five days to decide on team options for pitcher Charlie Morton and outfielder Eddie Rosario. It was reported earlier today that they had picked up Morton’s $20 million option.
When it comes to Rosario, however, the Braves took a different approach. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the team declined his $9 million option. Rosario is now a free agent.
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Rosario hit.255 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs last season while platooning with Kevin Pillar, but struggled against left-handed pitching. The Braves require more consistency from left field. They also needed better defense, though Rosario made significant strides in that department last season, becoming a Gold Glove finalist for the first time in his career. They will now look for a free agent who can provide both of these things.
Rosario, who was acquired by the Braves from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Pablo Sandoval in 2021, became an instant fan favorite in Atlanta. In the Braves’ 4-2 series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was named NLCS MVP. Rosario batted.560 in that series, with three home runs and nine RBIs. This came after a successful NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers in which he hit.308.
Eddie Rosario has hit.268 with 159 home runs and 548 RBIs in his nine-year career for the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland, and Atlanta.
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