Reunions have been the theme of the 2024 Atlanta Braves. But, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
In a string of moves eerily similar to their successful World Series run in 2021, the Braves brought back outfielders Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, and Jorge Soler at various points in the 2024 season.
They have been trying to replace Ronald Acuña Jr., the defending National League MVP who suffered an ACL tear at the end of May. Some have been up to the task, and some have not.
Rosario, who returned to Atlanta after a dismal 67-game tenure with the Washington Nationals, was clearly the outfielder with the least job security in Atlanta. And after just 24 games back with the Braves, it appears Rosario has come to the end of the line.
As Mark Bowman of MLB.com first reported on Sunday, Rosario officially elected free agency, making him free to sign with any of the 30 clubs and effectively ending his second stint in Atlanta. The Braves designated him for assignment on Thursday.
Rosario, 32, was in the middle of his worst season in Major League Baseball, his tenth in total. He has amassed -1.5 wins above replacement while hitting .175 with a .215 on-base percentage.
The 2021 National League Championship Series MVP, Rosario had some memorable moments in Atlanta. He batted .560 in that NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, including three enormous home runs.
Now, though, Rosario finds himself in the unenviable position of fighting to keep his big-league dreams alive. Regardless of where he ends up next, though, he and the Braves will always have those 2021 memories to look back on triumphantly.
More MLB: Cubs reportedly tried to pull off blockbuster deal for young star catcher
