This morning, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the significant decision to designate outfielder Eddie Rosario for assignment. This strategic move aims to create a roster spot for the superstar Shohei Ohtani, who is set to return to the team after taking time off due to the birth of his daughter, as shared on social media yesterday.
Eddie Rosario, now 33 years old, has had an extensive career spanning 11 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He initially gained recognition as a dependable corner outfielder during his tenure with the Minnesota Twins. Over 697 games with the Twins, Rosario posted an impressive slash line of .277/.310/.478, achieving a 106 wRC+—a statistic that measures a player's offensive contribution relative to league averages. This figure improved to 112 when analyzing his performance during his last four seasons with the Twins.
From 2017 to 2020, Rosario displayed remarkable power, consistently hitting around 25 home runs per season. His ability to maintain a low strikeout rate of 16.5% allowed him to combine power and contact effectively, making him a valuable asset to the Twins' batting lineup.
However, in the years following his successful stint in Minnesota, Rosario's performance has been marked by inconsistency. During his time with the Cleveland Guardians, Atlanta Braves, and the Washington Nationals from 2021 to 2024, he recorded a disappointing overall slash line of .231/.278/.396, resulting in an 82 wRC+. This decline in production was accompanied by an increase in his strikeout rate, which rose to 21.6%.
Throughout the 2021 and 2023 seasons, Rosario managed to play at an average level, achieving a 100 wRC+ in both years. Despite his increased strikeout rate, he showcased flashes of his former power with occasional 20-home run seasons, hinting at his potential to be a capable hitter. However, the 2022 season marked a significant downturn as he battled vision issues, resulting in a troubling 63 wRC+. Although these issues were later corrected, Rosario's struggles continued into 2024, where he finished with a dismal 45 wRC+ despite being in good health.
As the Dodgers move forward, all eyes will be on how this roster change impacts the team's dynamics, especially with the return of Ohtani. Stay tuned for more updates on Eddie Rosario's career and the Dodgers' roster developments.
