The Dodgers announced Monday that they have reinstated him Mookie Betts from the 60-day injured list and created an incredible void: infielder/outfielder and trade deadline acquisition Amed Rosario selected for assignment.
Rosario, 28, was found in the minor league franchise at the age of 28. Michael Flynn I returned to Misebe. It wasn’t exactly a steep price to pay, but still it wasn’t expected to see Los Angeles move forward this quickly. The versatile Rosario only got 12 plate appearances in his second stint with Los Angeles — the Dodgers acquired him at the 2023 deadline — and hit well all season. In 287 plate appearances between Tampa Bay and LA, he’s slashing .305/.331/.415 — about 14% better than league average, with a wRC+ rating.
The bronze Dodgers were very selective among Rosario, Enrique Hernandez again Nick Ahmed where we decide who would be the odd man out to pave the way for the Betts’ return. Hernandez struggled in 2024 overall, but a timely new streak clearly saved his spot on the roster. He is hitting .333/.405/.545 in 37 plate appearances this month. Ahmed posted a .268 slugging average in 42 plate appearances (.268/.286/.341, 77 wRC+), but he’s an elite defender at shortstop. With Betts moving back to right field, keeping a quality middle linebacker like Ahmed seems to have been successful in keeping a highly productive but undervalued defensive unit in Rosario.
The veteran Rosario signed a one-year, $1.5MM contract with the Rays this winter, looking to bounce back from the Guardian and Dodgers’ worst showings last year. After spending years as the primary shortstop in Cleveland, he has transitioned into a utility role that has seen him step in at shortstop, second base, third base and right field this season. He has drawn generally poor defensive grades and has never been considered a high-quality glove at shortstop at the major league level. Rosario has produced well at the plate, however, and that’s especially true against lefties, who are marked by an impressive .327/.355/.462 slash line in 2024.
Between his easy contract, offensive production and growing experience at multiple positions, Rosario has a much higher chance of being picked up by another team than most veterans selected for assignment this offseason. The trade deadline has passed, so the only option the Dodgers will have is to place Rosario on outright waivers or release waivers. It could be something else. polite surprise when he passes by unsolicited.
With that in mind, it’s important to note that the waiver order is determined by MLB’s broader standings as well not A specific league. That’s a common misconception, but the league-specific waivers are related to the trade waiver process in August that is gone. (MLBTR has confirmed this with league sources multiple times.) With Rosario a free agent at the end of the year, it’s possible that rebuilding clubs and some of their depleted prospects after the season will let him through.
Currently, first waivers among postseason hopefuls (using the criteria of less than six games back in the team race or Wild Card case) will be ranked: Pirates, Reds, Cubs, Rays, Giants, Cardinals, Mets, Braves. , Red Sox, Mariners, Astros, Royals, Padres, D-backs, Twins, Brewers, Guardians, Phillies, Yankees and Orioles. As of this writing, Rosario is still owed $387K in salary for this year. Any team that wants him will be at risk of getting that full amount, while the Dodgers won’t get that amount plus the 110% tax as a third-time luxury payer. In total, giving up Rosario would save the Dodgers about $813K – assuming he sues.
As for Betts, he will return to his right field and add another former MVP to the top of the Dodgers’ roster, moving in among former MVPs. Shohei Ohtani (to go) and Freddie Freeman (No. 3 hitter). Betts gave manager Dave Roberts the right arm to crack that tough duo, and Betts is one of the most feared hitters in sports when healthy.
Before the broken hand that cost him the last eight-plus weeks, Betts was hitting .304/.405/.488 with 10 homers, 16 doubles, three triples, and nine steals (in 10 attempts). , a 14.2% walk rate. 10.3% batting average. With Betts now back in right field, the Dodgers will play Miguel Rojas always at shortstop as well Gavin Lux at second base, with the aforementioned Hernandez a backup option for Lux (especially against lefties) and Ahmed providing a quick first base backup.
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