The Tampa Bay Rays have made a significant signing, officially announcing that they have signed infielder Amed Rosario. The deal is for one year and worth $1.5 million, with the potential to earn an additional $500,000 through incentives. Rosario, who is represented by Octagon, will fill a roster spot, which was opened up by moving Drew Rasmussen to the 60-day injured list. This move by the Rays is significant as it addresses their need for depth and versatility at the shortstop position.
Rosario, 28, has been an everyday shortstop in the big leagues for several years. However, he had a challenging season in 2023, both offensively and defensively. While playing for the Cleveland Guardians, Rosario struggled at the plate, batting .265/.306/.369 with an 87 wRC+. His defense also suffered, with negative grades in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average. The Guardians subsequently traded Rosario to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Noah Syndergaard, and he performed better after the trade, producing 3 DRS and OAA in a small sample size.
In the two previous seasons, Rosario showed more promise. He hit 11 home runs in both 2021 and 2022, with a slash line of .282/.316/.406 and a 103 wRC+ for the Guardians. Although his defensive metrics have generally been subpar, his bat has been reliable. These past performances indicate that Rosario has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Rays.
The Rays have a significant hole to fill at shortstop due to the absence of Wander Franco, who is currently under investigation for a relationship with an underage girl. Additionally, Taylor Walls is recovering from hip surgery and will miss part of the upcoming season. President of baseball operations Erik Neander mentioned José Caballero as a potential starter at shortstop to begin the year. However, the Rays also have top prospect Junior Caminero, who may eventually move to third base due to his defensive limitations. Osleivis Basabe is another option, but he struggled in his initial major league experience. The Rays have added Yu Chang on a minor league deal for additional depth.
Rosario’s versatility could be an asset for the Rays. While he may not be an everyday shortstop, he has the ability to play different positions. The Rays, known for their flexible roster construction