DEAL DONE: Mets Sign confirm another huge League Deal
The Mets have signed outfielder Eddie Rosario to a minor league contract, as announced by their Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. Sports Illustrated’s Pat Ragazzo initially reported the deal on Tuesday via X. Rosario became a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Braves over the weekend.
This marks Rosario’s third stint with an NL East team this season. He started the year on a minor league deal with the Nationals, making the Opening Day roster and earning a $2 million salary. However, he struggled, hitting just .183/.226/.329 over 67 games, with his performance peaking in May but faltering in April and June. The Nationals released him when they promoted top prospect James Wood in early July.
The Braves then brought Rosario back on a minor league deal, quickly promoting him to the majors. However, he couldn’t replicate his past success, batting only .154/.181/.282 in 84 plate appearances before being released.
This season has been a low point for the 10-year MLB veteran, as he has posted a .175/.215/.316 slash line over 319 plate appearances between the Nationals and Braves. Among players with 300+ plate appearances, Rosario has the lowest on-base percentage and ranks near the bottom in batting average and slugging percentage. Given these struggles, it’s challenging for teams to justify giving him more major league opportunities, but the Mets see no harm in giving him a chance at Syracuse, hoping he might regain his form.
Even if Rosario doesn’t make it back to the majors with the Mets, he will be a free agent next offseason. The signing is a depth move for a team still in the playoff race, just one game out. The Mets’ current outfield consists of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and Jesse Winker, with J.D. Martinez as the designated hitter and Tyrone Taylor as the fourth outfielder. Ben Gamel serves as a left-handed bat off the bench, while DJ Stewart is currently in Syracuse. To get a shot at Citi Field, Rosario would likely need to outperform both Gamel and Stewart.
Rosario would be eligible for postseason play if he’s in the organization by September 1. However, he wouldn’t need to be called up by that date to be on the playoff roster, as MLB rules allow for injury substitutions. Still, Rosario would need to catch fire at the plate to be considered for a postseason role, even if the Mets secure a Wild Card spot.