Braves Re-Sign Key Member from 2021 World Series Team
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The surprise run that the Atlanta Braves made to the 2021 World Series is one of the more improbable ones in recent memory. It was a team that lost MVP frontrunner Ronald Acuna Jr. prior to the All-Star break and did not get above .500 until the end of July.
The trade deadline that season saw Atlanta acquire outfielders Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler and Eddie Rosario. That trio was a major reason for the Braves capturing their first championship since 1995. Now, one of those players is back in Atlanta.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 3: Eddie Rosario #8 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 3: Eddie Rosario #8 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.The Braves announced via a post on X, that the club has signed Rosario to a major-league deal as well as adding Ian Anderson, another member of the 2021 World Series team, to the major league roster.
The #Braves today reported RHP Ian Anderson to Atlanta after optioning RHP Davis Daniel to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday's game. The club today also signed OF Eddie Rosario to a major league contract, and optioned OF Jarred Kelenic to the Stripers. To make room on the… — Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 28, 2025
Rosario spent time with Atlanta last season but batted just .154 with 23 strikeouts in 78 at-bats. Rosario signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to spring training but was only able to get four at-bats with the big-league club this season.
Atlanta is in desperate need of outfielders, as it currently ranks No. 28 in Wins Above Average from all outfield positions. The addition of Alex Verdugo (.333 BA, .841 OPS) has been a welcome sight for the Braves, but it is evident that general manager Alex Anthopoulos wanted more help.
The unfortunate party on the receiving end of the Rosario news was Jarred Kelenic, who was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Kelenic was batting just .167 with two home runs and a below average OPS of .531 in 60 at-bats.
The Braves may be hoping to find the same spark that they did in 2021, and it will be intriguing to see what Atlanta does with its outfield when Acuña returns from injury in the coming weeks.
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