The Braves are anticipated to reject Eddie Rosario’s $9 million club option, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Heyman notes that it’s a “close call” and that nothing is official just yet because the deadline is today.
For the Braves in 2023, the 2021 NLCS hero slashed.255/.305/.450, producing offensive productivity that was league average. His defense, which finished 142 games with 1.4 fWAR and +3 OAA and DRS, was greater than his usual output.
In comparison to a year ago when he slashed, that was a huge improvement.After laser eye surgery, 212/.259/.328 (62 wRC+) in 270 trips to the plate.
The fact that Atlanta is unwilling to accept Rosario’s $9 million option is a little unexpected. This season, he was playing well and beginning to resemble the player the Braves believed they were getting when they signed him to a new contract in 2022. For that kind of output, $9 million is a fair price, but perhaps the Braves would want more consistency from the position.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the club took a wild goose chase, given the money at their disposal and the limited opportunities to improve an already strong roster. The Braves would surely have the best outfield in baseball if they acquired Cody Bellinger, who will be the hottest commodity on the market.
