Eddie Rosario will forever be etched into Atlanta sports lore for as long as we live. His 2021 postseason was truly one for the ages, and his NLCS performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers will go down not only in Braves history, but in baseball history.
Sadly, much like in life you can't remain in the good ol' days all the time. Since that World Series winning season, Rosario has had plenty of ups and downs, and an eye surgery somewhere in the middle of it all. Now, Rosario is heading to D.C. to play for the Nationals on a one-year deal according to Daniel Álvarez-Montes
The Washington #Nationals are in agreement with OF Eddie Rosario. It is a split contract in which he could earn up to $4M with incentives. The deal is pending a physical, sources tell @ElExtrabase.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) March 6, 2024
NLCS MVP signs with the Nats
Although Rosario had a much improved 2023 season, it was clear the Braves were ready to move in a new direction out in left field when they declined his $9 million club option for 2024. Rosario's fate was pretty much sealed when the Braves made the trade for Jarred Kelenic this offseason.
The now 32 year-old Rosario will get a chance to extend his career for a team not expected to win a lot of games in 2024. His current primary left field competition is Jesse Winker and Stone Garrett, so there is a clear path for Rosario to get a bunch of AB's.
Rosario is coming off a year where he slashed .255/.305/.450, hit 21 home runs, had 74 RBI, an exactly league average 100 wRC+, and was worth 1.4 fWAR via Fangraphs. There is still plenty left in the tank for Rosario to be sure.
His contract with Washington is reported to be a split contract, like the one Jackson Stephens signed to, with the chance to earn up to $4 million if he hits certain incentives during the season. Rosario's first game back in Atlanta as a member of the Nats will be on May 27th, and you can fully expect a resounding ovation for the former Braves postseason hero.