Former Dodgers trade acquisition lands with Rays after disappointing end to 2023

Spring training games are upon us, and the Dodgers have put themselves in the best possible position to compete with the most complete teams in MLB. It's hard to find any cracks in LA's foundation with their slew of superstar additions, stars who were already there, and up-and-coming, homegrown talent that has already started to show glimpses of greatness.

This time last year, though, the Dodgers weren't in quite the same position. The middle infield in particular was a bit of jumble; Trea Turner had left for the Phillies in free agency and Gavin Lux, who would've moved from second to take his place at shortstop, was sidelined for the entire season. So the Dodgers employed a carousel of players at second and short in 2023, including Amed Rosario, a midseason addition from a trade with the Guardians that sent Noah Syndergaard to Cleveland.

Rosario had a nice 2022 season with the Guardians, but he struggled in 2/3 of a season with them in 2023 before being shipped off to LA. His numbers didn't take a devastating hit after being traded, but he was far from performing well enough for the Dodgers to keep him when he hit free agency at the end of the season.

Now, Rosario is headed across the country on a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Rays, where he could potentially be retooled as a utility player and make some starts in the outfield.

Former Dodgers infielder Amed Rosario agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays

Rosario has made less than 15 appearances in the outfield throughout his seven year career, and didn't play in the outfield at all in 2023. The Rays have three solid outfielders to make most of their starts — Randy Arozarena in left, Jose Siri in center, and Josh Lowe in right — but further down into the depth chart, the options thin out a bit. Former Dodger Jonny Deluca is a possibility, but he only played in 24 big-league games last year and is still very fresh. Richie Palacios had a promising 32 games last year with the Cardinals, but he also has yet to get 100 major league games under his belt.

Maybe Rosario will find a new life with the Rays, who shouldn't be underestimated and who will be looking to kick off their 2024 season with the same unbeatable bang they started 2023 with. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are more than ready to go. Mookie Betts will settle into second, Gavin Lux will get reacquainted at shortstop, and the Dodgers will be off to the races.