The Washington Nationals had no intentions of signing major free agents. They won’t be pursuing players like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, or J.D. Martinez. Nevertheless, they recognize the potential value in the mid-to-low tier of free agents, which can offer affordable talent for a team on the rise.
This was demonstrated on Wednesday when they acquired Eddie Rosario, a starting-caliber outfielder, according to MLB Network.
The Washington Nationals are reportedly signing outfielder Eddie Rosario. pic.twitter.com/zzLhRsoQ5f
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 6, 2024
According to reports, Eddie Rosario is expected to sign a split contract that could potentially earn him up to $4 million with incentives. The Washington Nationals are unlikely to officially announce the deal until later in the week pending the player passing his physical, though this step is anticipated to be a formality.
Rosario, who holds a career .766 OPS in regular seasons, had a strong showing in 2023 with the Atlanta Braves. He posted a batting line of .255/.305/.450 with 21 home runs, 74 RBIs, 24 doubles, and a .755 OPS while playing for the NL East champions. Despite his performance, the Braves chose not to exercise a $9 million option to retain Rosario for 2024, leading him to become a free agent.
With five postseason home runs and a career OPS of .865 in October, Rosario adds a competitive edge to the left field position in Washington, potentially challenging Jesse Winker for the job.
Rosario notably excelled during the Atlanta Braves’ remarkable 2021 postseason campaign, earning the NLCS MVP award with an impressive 1.647 OPS, three home runs, and nine RBIs.
While the Washington Nationals may still be a year or two away from genuine contention for a postseason berth, they’re making strides in the right direction. Adding Rosario’s potent left-handed bat to their lineup bolsters their offensive capabilities.
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