Eddie Rosario

Position: LF
Bats/Throws: L/R
Age: 30 (9/28/1991)

Traditional Stats: 111 games, .259/.305/.435, 14 HR, 62 RBI, 19 2B, 11 SB
Advanced Stats: 98 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR, .316 wOBA
Defensive Stats: -0.2 UZR, -1 OAA

Rundown

Eddie Rosario is looking for a payday after an incredible postseason run.

The October hero was non-tendered by the Twins heading into 2021, signed by Cleveland, then traded away for the scraps of Pablo Sandoval. The Braves would be the victors with Rosario becoming the NLCS MVP and World Series MVP.

Rosario recorded career highs in 2018 with a 4.3 bWAR and a 116 OPS+ but it’s unlikely he’ll reach that again. Rosario is a 1-2 WAR player and expecting him to turn his postseason sample into a full season is a ludicrous gamble.

Rosario doesn’t grade well as a defender and his age likely limits him to a corner outfield spot.

He’s similar to former Met Michael Conforto in that they’re close in age, left-handed-hitting, bat-first corner-outfielders. Conforto is still the better player but Rosario would be the cheaper option if the Mets were looking to save somewhere.

But the Mets seemed to address their corner outfield spots with the addition of Mark Canha and Starling Marte, shifting Brandon Nimmo to left field most likely. It’s unknown if Rosario would want a bench roll after what he did this last postseason.

It’s also unlikely Rosario returns to Atlanta. Ronald Acuna Jr. is expected back from his ACL tear early in the season and they still have Adam Duvall and Christian Pache under contract.

Rosario might not be a prime free agent target but definitely someone the Mets should keep their eyes on in the trade market in July.

Contract

MLB Trade Rumors predicts Rosario will sign a deal for two years, $15 million. Their predicted landing spots are the Nationals and Braves.

Rosario signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Cleveland Indians before 2021 so a slightly less annual value for an extra year seems ideal for the veteran outfielder.

Recommendation

If Rosario signs outside the division (White Sox maybe?) then he should definitely be a player the Mets should have on their trade radar. He’s not a player to get into a bidding war over in free agency, if a team is willing to pay him more then let him walk.

Rosario brings a decent bat and not much else. With the Mets focused on signing and targeting high on-base-percentage hitters who can field better than average it’s tough to see Billy Eppler actively pursuing Rosario once the lockout ends.