Dodgers sign Braves 2021 playoff hero who destroyed LA in NLCS to minor league deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are welcoming a former enemy into the fold on Saturday, as their free agency spree continues. This might not have been a high-priced transaction, but it was one backed by intent.

Eddie Rosario is joining the Dodgers in a minor-league contract, per a report from Ari Alexander. The former Atlanta Braves outfielder was one of the main reasons LA lost the 2021 NLCS. Outside of injuries plaguing the Dodgers, Rosario added a ridiculous .560/.607/1.040 line, logging 14 hits (three homers), six runs scored and nine RBI in the six-game series.

Rosario was awful the following season in 2022, but rebounded in 2023 to log 21 homers, 74 RBI and a 1.1 WAR. Atlanta didn't re-sign him, though, and he landed with the division-rival Washington Nationals for 2024 ... before he re-signed with Atlanta months later. The Nats released him in July after he hit .183 with a .555 OPS in 67 games.

The 33-year-old didn't rebound with the Braves, but perhaps that was because their lineup gradually became thinner as injuries killed the roster. Rosario as a featured bat probably won't be effective, but tucked in between countless Dodgers stars? If and when the time comes, there's reason to be optimistic.

Rosario went nuclear as the Braves' leadoff hitter during the 2021 postseason, but he was backed by sluggers Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Joc Pederson and Dansby Swanson. That makes life a lot easier in terms of seeing strikes and capitalizing on your preferred pitches.

The greater likelihood here, however, is that Rosario provides depth at Triple-A. The Dodgers have an outfield of Teoscar Hernandez, Michael Conforto and Tommy Edman. Behind them are Chris Taylor, Andy Pages and Kiké Hernandez. As you can see, it's an incredibly crowded picture.

But that's assuming Conforto can find his footing, Edman isn't needed in the infield, Pages takes the next step in his development, and Kiké/Taylor prove themselves as everyday regulars. If Rosario lingers at Triple-A Oklahoma City long enough (assuming he doesn't crack the Opening Day roster should something unforeseen happen during spring training), there's a chance he makes an impact with the 2025 Dodgers.