The Braves biggest issue right now is their lack of consistency at the plate, and it’s not up for debate. With Ronald Acuna Jr. and Michael Harris II on the shelf, the club can’t find sustained success offensively.
Jarred Kelenic, Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley have filled out the first five spots just fine. Nobody would complain about one of their extended slumps if the bottom of the lineup wasn’t so dreadful.
Adam Duvall and Orlando Arica have been automatic outs, and it would be unreasonable to expect anything more from Forrest Wall, Luke Williams, and Zack Short. It’s been brutal to watch at times, but everyone anticipates Alex Anthopoulos to make additions at the trade deadline in about a month.
Until then, this is what the Braves have to work with, but perhaps a reunion with an old friend and postseason hero could be a bridge until the trade deadline. The Nationals have promoted top prospect James Wood and designated Eddie Rosario for assignment.
The Nationals have designated Eddie Rosario for assignment.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 1, 2024
Rosario was part of a 2021 trade deadline that propelled the Braves to their first World Series since 1995. Most notably, Rosario put up a legendary 14-for-25 performance with three home runs during the National League Championship Series, en route to NLCS MVP honors.
It prompted the Braves to hand him a two-year, $18 million contract that worked out terribly for Atlanta. He slashed .212/.259/.328 in the first season and somewhat bounced back with 21 homers in 2023, but he was nothing more than league average, evident in his 100 wRC+.
This offseason, he signed a $2 million deal with the Nationals and was up to his classic hot and cold streaks. In April, he slashed .088/.137/.162 then followed it up with a fantastic May (.253/.319/.530) and another slump in June (.191/.200/.250). On the season, he owns a 54 wRC+ with a 5.5% walk rate and 23% strikeout rate.
Eddie Rosario isn’t the answer. The Braves can’t expect him to be, but we are talking about an outfield that is trotting out Adam Duvall, who might literally be the worst player in baseball right now, Luke Williams, and Forrest Wall. Let’s not act like that warrants the Braves to ignore Rosario.
The Nats will have five days to trade Rosario, release him, or place him on outright waivers, but more than likely, he’ll be released and be free to sign with any team. It would just be a platoon role, but the Braves could use the boost before they find a more permanent solution closer to the trade deadline.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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