The Tampa Bay Rays announced the signing of Amed Rosario to a one-year contract, leaving one fewer Los Angeles Dodgers free agent still available on the open market.
Rosario’s deal reportedly is worth $1.5 million and includes the potential to earn up to an additional $500,000 through incentives. Drew Rasmussen was placed on the 60-day injured list in order to make room for Rosario on the Rays’ 40-man roster.
He returns to the American League after beginning the 2023 season with the Cleveland Guardians. Rosario was then traded to the Dodgers at the deadline in exchange for Noah Syndergaard, who himself was in the midst of struggling with a new team.
Although Rosario’s overall production was nothing eye-popping, he addressed a need for the Dodgers with his ability to hit left-handed pitching.
Being traded to the Dodgers also entailed a position change for Rosario as he shifted over to second base for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old got off to an encouraging start with L.A. before going through some slumps to close out the regular season.
He hit .256/.301/.408 with six doubles, two triples, three home runs and 18 RBI over 48 games with the Dodgers. Rosario was left off their postseason roster for the National League Division Series because the team had other right-handed hitting options.
“It was a tough one,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time of selecting Kolten Wong instead of Rosario. “It was more driven by the fact that we have Kiké (Hernández) and C.T. (Chris Taylor) that are versatile players from the right side and having Amed, without a left-handed starter going for them, little redundant.
“And so to have a left-handed bat in Kolten, who you could have come out for some hitting situations, to come out of it with him on the bench we felt was a lot of value.”
Amed Rosario interest before Rays contract
Even with somewhat of a down season, Rosario was one of the better middle infielders available in free agency. He reportedly drew interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins, among other teams, prior to signing with the Rays.
Rosario could see time in a utility role for Tampa Bay, likely helping fill in at second base and shortstop, and potentially the outfield as well.
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