The Atlanta Braves have been a haven for old friends to resurrect their careers in recent years. But not every reunion can work out as well as the best.
In 2024, the Braves tried to recreate the magic from their 2021 World Series win when Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in May. They brought back Eddie Rosario, who was released by the Washington Nationals, in hopes that he could rediscover the form that won him Most Valuable Player of the 2021 National League Championship Series.
Rosario had signed late in the offseason with Washington after a productive 2023 in Atlanta, where he hit 21 home runs with a .755 OPS. The Braves likely hoped to get a similar result with him returning to the comforts of Truist Park.
Unfortunately, Rosario couldn't find the magic in his second stint in Atlanta, and the Braves let him go on Aug. 11. Then, he caught on with the New York Mets, but that, too, has now run its course.
According to MLB.com's official transaction log, Rosario was released by the Mets on Sunday. Will Sammon of The Athletic was the first to report the news on X.
Sunday was the third time this season Rosario had been released by an NL East organization. He was let go by the Nationals on July 3, then by the Braves on Aug. 8. He lasted just 10 days in the Mets organization, with only 30 plate appearances in Triple-A Syracuse.
Though he was a valuable contributor for the Braves only a season ago, Rosario's big-league future is certainly in jeopardy after the way this season has played out. He has totaled a .175 batting average, 49 OPS+, and -1.5 wins above replacement at the big league level in 2024.
At 32 years old, and with just over eight years of big-league service time, Rosario now approaches a crossroads. To reach the 10-year barrier, an important distinction for the future benefits an MLB player receives, he will have to find a second wind somewhere new in 2025.
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