The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their trade season on Tuesday by acquiring Kiké Hernández, filling a need for a right-handed bat who can platoon in the outfield.
Despite the deal, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not rule out another trade for a right-handed bat but added the club is still focused on pitching prior to the trade deadline. It’s likely pitchers will begin to move close to the Aug. 1 deadline, but the market for bats has started to move early with the Dodgers striking early to grab their targets.
On Wednesday, the Dodgers reportedly struck another deal for a bat, acquiring Amed Rosario from the Cleveland Guardians, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Source confirms: Dodgers in agreement with Guardians on a trade for Amed Rosario, pending review of medicals. First: @JeffPassan and @JesseRogersESPN
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2023
According to Pat Ragazzo of FanNation, the Dodgers traded Noah Syndergaard for Rosario:
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers are sending Noah Syndergaard to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Amed Rosario
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) July 26, 2023
Once a top prospect in baseball for the New York Mets as a potential five-tool player, Rosario has been limited success since his debut in 2017. Still just 27 years old though, Rosario did flash some of his talent last year and has a few seasons as a quality player.
This season, Rosario is batting .265/.306/.369 with three home runs, 40 RBI, 51 runs scored, nine stolen bases, an 86 wRC+ and -0.1 WAR. Primarily a shortstop, Rosario ranks in the 1st percentile of outs above average, but he’s also seen some limited time in the outfield in the past.
Despite his struggles this season, Rosario ranks in the 81st percentile of xBA, while his hard-hit rate and max exit velocity are both roughly 10% above league average. He also does not strike out much, but he rarely takes a walk.
What Rosario does extremely well though is hit left-handed pitching, batting .303/.345/.477 with a 123 wRC+ against southpaws. In a platoon role, he could thrive and provide a significant boost to the Dodgers’ lineup.
Rosario is in his final year of arbitration and will become a free agent after the season.
Amed Rosario provides upside at shortstop
If he can also get back on track and produce at his levels last season when he hit .283/.312/.403 with a 103 wRC+ and 2.5 WAR, Rosario would become the best shortstop on the roster, providing the club with some upside rather than just another platoon bat.
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