Eddie Rosario was one of the Atlanta Braves' most exciting surprises during the 2021 postseason. He became a fan-favorite overnight with his clutch hitting and he reciprocated that love to the organization.
2022 wasn't a great year for Rosario as he only slashed .212/.259/.328 with a measly .587 OPS. Along with playing below-average defense in left field, this was a bit disappointing. To be fair to Rosario, he underwent eye surgery in late April 2022 and didn't return until July, only appearing in 80 games the entire season.
However, 2023 presented Rosario with another opportunity to impress. He would improve his slash line to .255/.305/.450 and a .755 OPS over 142 games played. He even had one of his best seasons defensively as he posted a +2 OAA.
Rosario was able to hit 21 homers during the Braves record-setting season and drove in 74 runs over that time as well. He walked 34 times and struck out 122 times so there was a lot of swinging and missing happening. That's something he will want to clean up going into 2024.
A lot of people were critical of Rosario receiving a nomination for a Gold Glove but he was one of the best defenders in the National League in 2023. Not that it was hard to be one of the better defenders as there weren't a lot of impressive defensive performances by left fielders last season.
Rosario did help provide the Braves with some exciting clutch hits as he was known to do. It just wasn't to the high-level standard that Atlanta fans saw from him in 2021.
He was able to hit 21 homers during the Braves record-setting season and drove in 74 runs over that time as well. He walked 34 times and struck out 122 times so there was a lot of swinging and missing happening. That's something he will want to clean up going into 2024.
The Braves have not brought back Rosario as his contract expired after the 2023 season. Atlanta could have looked to bring him back but considering their trade for Jarred Kelenic this offseason, I don't believe Rosario is an option the Braves would consider.
Braves fans will always have the excitement Rosario provided during the 2021 postseason and how he was a major part of Atlanta's march to a World Series title. He seemed to really love his time in Atlanta but all things must come to an end at some point.
Whoever decides to sign Eddie in 2024 will be getting a great addition to their clubhouse with a lot of great offensive potential.