Atlanta Braves: Eddie Rosario is the Hottest of Them All

When you think about the Atlanta Braves deadline additions, it seems like Eddie Rosario gets lost in the mix — but he may be the best of them all. 

Maybe it’s because he was injured and delayed in joining the team, but Eddie Rosario has somewhat quietly been the best deadline pick-up for the Atlanta Braves.

That’s not to take anything away from what Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, and Jorge Soler have done — they’ve been great as well.

But just looking at the numbers for Rosario — and being that left-handed bat the lineup desperately needed — he’s been outstanding.

Over 29 games he’s slashing .272/.341/580 with a .921 OPS to go along with 6 home runs, 14 RBI, 9 walks, and 2 stolen bases. He’s slugging over 600 against righties since joining the Braves.

And Tuesday night’s blunder withstanding, he’s played a solid corner outfield.

Rosario is a guy I’ve liked for a while and someone I, and others on the site, talked about in the offseason as a potential candidate for the outfield.

He’s someone who has done really well against righties his entire career with a .813 OPS against them — compared to .703 against LHP.

The Braves lineup was very right-handed heavy coming into the year already, which is why I really wanted to see Alex Anthopoulos go out and get someone like Joc or Eddie — better late than never, I guess.

When you consider the fact that Ozzie is a below-average hitter from the left side, the Braves really only have one true lefty hitter in Freddie Freeman.

Rosario helps balance things out a bit and provides some pop as well, which is why I think he may end up being the best deadline acquisition of the four outfielders.

But again, Soler has been instrumental atop the lineup, Duvall keeps racking up the RBI, and Joc brings a certain flair and energy to the clubhouse — along with great postseason experience.

All of these additions were outstanding, but don’t sleep on the contribution from Rosario to this lineup.