The Los Angeles Dodgers are gunning for the first back-to-back World Series championships in MLB since the New York Yankees did it 25 years ago. Their roster is loaded with stars and, for the most part, set in stone. However, there may be one or two roster spots up for grabs, considering Los Angeles’s injury-laden experience last year. They are well aware that it takes all 26 men if they want to repeat. Could one-time Dodgers killer Eddie Rosario be the one to claim a final roster spot?
Eddie Rosario: The Dodgers Killer of 2021
In 2021, the Atlanta Braves acquired Eddie Rosario in a trade deadline deal from the then-Cleveland Indians for infielder Pablo Sandoval and cash. The move paid off handsomely in the postseason against the reigning World Champion Dodgers. Rosario had a blistering batting average of .560 with a mind-boggling OPS of 1.647. The veteran outfielder had 14 hits in 24 at-bats, including three home runs, nine runs batted in, and six runs scored. This led to the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award and a two-year contract extension with the Braves. Although the veteran has had a decent major league career, unfortunately, Rosario’s numbers have depleted considerably. Thus, the veteran signed a minor league contract with Los Angeles, along with a spring training invite.
But It’s Only Spring Training, Right?
Eddie Rosario homers in his first AB with the Dodgers
Can’t believe I’m tweeting that
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) February 20, 2025
Rosario didn’t let his chance to make a good first impression go to waste. He hit the spring training home run in his first at-bat for Los Angeles. In addition, his batting average is around .28o. In contrast, Chris Taylor and James Outman have more than a dozen strikeouts between them this spring in a very limited sample size.
One would think that Taylor would have an advantage since he can play multiple positions and has postseason experience. However, when manager Dave Roberts was specifically asked where he sees the veteran Taylor, who is in the last year of his contract, fitting in this year, Roberts said he doesn’t know yet.
In addition, center field and the base paths continue to be an adventure for Andy Pages.
Finally, Los Angeles has left open the possibility that Hyeseong Kim will spend time in the minor leagues refining his swing. As a result, Tommy Edman has been taking infield practice at second base.
At any rate, the door is ajar for Rosario.
Where Would Rosario Fit?
It is no secret that the Dodgers value versatility on their roster. Rosario does not have that advantage. He only plays left field. However, as of now, all the options off the bench for Los Angeles are right-handed. The outfielder bats from the left side. Furthermore, Rosario is a veteran who has a 2021 World Series ring to his credit.
In addition, the Dodgers know that injuries can happen at any time, so acquiring depth remains a priority for them.
With three weeks left of spring training, there is still time to make a good impression. For Rosario’s part, it looks like he’s determined to make the most of his chance. If he doesn’t ultimately land with Los Angeles, perhaps he will with another team.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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