Amed Rosario has been among the Los Angeles Dodgers players who remained unsigned for the 2024 season as part of a group that also includes J.D. Martinez and Kiké Hernández.
Over the past week, Rosario has seen his market heat up with Spring Training underway for all 30 clubs. Among teams interested included the Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays.
But it appears Rosario is heading to a somewhat unexpected team. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Rosario is signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays:
Infielder Amed Rosario and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $1.5 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Rosario, 28, will bring a strong bat against left-handed pitching and should get at-bats at shortstop, second base and potentially corner-outfield spots.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 20, 2024
Rosario began the 2023 season with the Cleveland Guardians, but he ended up being traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Noah Syndergaard.
At the time of being traded to the Dodgers, Rosario was hitting .265/.306/.369 with three home runs, 40 RBI and 51 runs scored in 94 games for the Guardians. That included an excellent .303/.345/.477 batting line against southpaws.
The Dodgers hoped that would continue and give their lineup a notable improvement against southpaws. However, his production declined with L.A. and he was left off the Dodgers National League Division Series roster in favor of Kolten Wong.
With the Dodgers, Rosario hit an .256/.301/.408 with six doubles, two triples, three home runs and 18 RBI in 48 games. Against left-handers, he batted just .250/.299/.389 across 77 plate appearances.
Despite his struggles, he remained one of the top available middle infielders on the free agent market.
Amed Rosario joins David Peralta in finding new team
Another Dodgers free agent, David Peralta, joined a new club this week. Peralta agreed to a Minor League deal with the Chicago Cubs with an invite to Spring Training.
Peralta is expected to compete for at-bats as an outfielder and designated hitter in Chicago.
Overall, he finished the season batting .259/.294/.381 with 25 doubles, seven home runs and 55 RBI over 133 games.
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