In a widely reported and expected move, the Washington Nationals have officially promoted top prospect James Wood from Triple-A Rochester. Wood will make his debut on Monday night against the New York Mets, a team Washington is competing with for a Wild Card spot. In a corresponding move, the Nationals designated veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario for assignment.
James Wood has officially been promoted from Triple-A. Eddie Rosario has been designated for assignment.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 1, 2024
Washington Nationals Designate Eddie Rosario, Call Up James Wood
Rosario signed with Washington for $2 million during Spring Training after spending the past two and a half seasons with the Atlanta Braves. The veteran has been pretty streaky throughout his career, but the Nationals surely hoped that the 32-year-old could provide a veteran presence on a rebuilding team.
"He put up above-average numbers, and he gets a minor league deal"@ErikKratz31 breaks down Eddie Rosario signing a 1-year "split" deal with the @Nationals
▶️ https://t.co/l0dOyR1GAc pic.twitter.com/3PyYJwCeB2
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 6, 2024
Unfortunately, Rosario largely struggled in the nation’s capital. In 67 games, he hit .183/.226/.329 (54 wRC+) with a well below league average walk rate. While his swings have produced a good Hard-Hit percentage and Average Exit Velocity, Rosario has not made enough contact and hasn’t been selective enough at the plate.
Additionally, the veteran has seen time in all three outfield spots this season. That said, defensive metrics do not like his performance at any of the three spots. In the outfield overall, Rosario has earned -6 Defensive Runs Saved and -5 Outs Above Average.
Last season in Atlanta, Rosario produced a 1.1 WAR season by hitting .255/.305/.450 (100 wRC+) with above average defense. Rosario has proven the ability to serve as a solid complimentary piece to a team and a lineup. He’s not a star and won’t carry an offense, but when he’s right, he lengthens a lineup and hold real offensive value.
Washington hoped to receive this type of production with hopes of trading him at the trade deadline. This obviously will not happen now that the Nationals designated Rosario for assignment. The team will have five days to trade him, release him or place him on outright waivers.
Despite his struggles, Rosario should be able to latch on with a team hoping to catch lightning in a bottle from the 2021 World Series hero.
Main Photo Credits: Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK
