BREAKING: Nationals Sign Another NLCS MVP left fielder to a Minor League Deal
Eddie Rosario and the Washington Nationals have reached a deal on a split contract that could see the veteran earn up to $4 million with incentives, as per Daniel Alvarez Montes of El Extra Base. By joining the Nationals on a minor league agreement, Rosario has the opportunity to enhance the team’s roster.
In the 2023 season, Rosario posted a 1.1 WAR along with a 100 OPS+ and a 100 wRC+. While he predominantly manned left field for the Braves, Rosario also brings versatility as he has experience playing across all three outfield positions.
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
Nationals set to Ink Deal with Eddie Rosario At the age of 32, Rosario, a seasoned player with nine seasons in the Major Leagues under his belt, is poised to join his fourth MLB team. During the previous season, he participated in 142 games for the Atlanta Braves, where he posted a batting line of .255/.305/.450, smacked 21 home runs, maintained a 6.6% walk rate, and a 23.6% strikeout rate.
From 2017 to 2020, Rosario played a significant role in the heart of the lineup for the Minnesota Twins, hitting 96 home runs and recording a batting line of .281/.317/.493. While his offensive production has dipped since then, his performance with the Braves after being acquired at the 2021 trade deadline was instrumental in propelling Atlanta to the postseason. His impressive display during the 2021 National League Championship Series earned him the MVP accolade that year.
Rosario’s addition to the Nationals provides manager Dave Martinez with another experienced option to compete for playing time in left field, alongside Jesse Winker. Victor Robles is expected to patrol center field, with Lane Thomas in line for playing opportunities in right field.
Throughout his career, Rosario has accumulated a .268/.305/.460 batting line, notching 159 home runs and 548 RBIs. He holds a career 12.4 WAR, a career 104 OPS+, and a career 102 wRC+. Despite not being selected for an All-Star appearance or receiving accolades such as the Gold Glove or Silver Slugger awards, Rosario did receive AL MVP votes in 2019 and 2020.
