Which Atlanta Braves players could be traded in 2023?

#2) Eddie Rosario

For Eddie Rosario, the 2022 season did not sustain the mashing magic that he was able to kindle in the 2021 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite carrying the Braves to the World Series with his .560 average on 14 hits, nine RBI, and three massive home runs in that series, a hole in his right eye’s retina would severely hamper his start and overall performance in last season’s proceedings.

Rosario, in 2023, would post a -6 OAA, -5 RAA, and league fourth-worst -8.2 UZR rating in left field despite playing another three months following his return from eye surgery. On the offensive side, he was equally bad, managing only a .243/.281/.379 slash line after his return from the IL. He finished the year with a -1.1 fWAR, 62 wRC+, and 25.2 K%.

Naturally, just like Ozuna, a fully healthy offseason and normal Spring Training could do Rosario’s confidence a lot of good. Alex Anthopoulos has reflected those same sentiments. If he were to come good, the Braves would be presented with a tough decision –  keep him as the everyday left fielder with his poor defense, or trade him to a willing suitor.

Remember that left field is a crowded position for Atlanta; Rosario, Ozuna, Jordan Luplow, and Sam Hilliard all stand a chance to see minutes there. With the DH spot likely to now be occupied by Travis d’Arnaud most nights, it will be tough to give each left fielder the minutes they need to get in a successful rhythm.

Rosario, with only one year remaining on his contract and no off-field issues to speak of, will naturally be an easier sell for interested trade partners than Ozuna. When considering the relative logjam at the position, the market will tell all in regards to who is shipped between the two.

While I fully expect one of the two aforementioned left fielders to be dawning new colors in 2023, this next candidate is an option only in the most disastrous of circumstances.