The Atlanta Braves would have been ideal candidates for the newest Cincinnati Reds waiver claim.
Now, Alex Anthopoulos will turn elsewhere for reinforcements.
The Atlanta Braves, who are competing for an NL Wild Card place, may have lost an opportunity when the Los Angeles Dodgers dismissed Amed Rosario. The Dodgers and Andrew Friedman rarely do any club a favor, but Rosario is a solid middle infielder who can play many positions.
Heck, Los Angeles acquired Rosario at the trade deadline for depth purposes. The decision to waive him so fast was unusual, to say the least. Rosario’s season batting average is.305/.331/.417, giving him an OPS of.746. He can play shortstop, second base, and even outfield if necessary.
In fact, the fit in Atlanta was so good that FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray named the Braves as one of the top three teams for his services.
“Rosario would provide insurance in the infield and a capable seasoned substitute for Albies, at least until he returns from the IL. “And for a Braves team that is 64-57 and in second place in the National League East, a player like Rosario could be extremely beneficial,” Murray wrote.
Atlanta Braves miss an opportunity with Amed Rosario
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Rosario has been claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have their own infield depth problems, and it’s probable the Braves never had a chance at signing Rosario. Cincinnati wasn’t even on Murray’s initial list of teams that could sign Rosario, demonstrating how unexpected that move was in the industry.
With Albies on the disabled list until further notice and Orlando Arcia unable to recreate his All-Star season from a year ago, Rosario would’ve been an excellent match for Atlanta. Despite Rosario’s minimal experience in the outfield, the Braves have struggled since Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury.
Meanwhile, the Reds have made a strong leap in the National League Wild Card standings. Adding this type of utility player in mid-August is unprecedented. Cincinnati is just five games behind in the Wild Card race. Rosario will be a free agent after this season, but he will earn only $1.5 million this season.
The Reds got a good deal, and it’s clear why they were interested in the first place.