For a variety of reasons, the Atlanta Braves let Eddie Rosario walk this summer. First off, in 2023, his splits against left-handed pitchers were far from ideal.
Rosario’s role in the Braves’ historic World Series triumph only a few short years ago will always be remembered by fans, but even in platoon situations last season, he proved to be a vulnerability in the lineup.
This offseason, Alex Anthopoulos is determined to locate a new corner outfielder. Though the Braves have not yet fulfilled that commitment, Vaughn Grissom has surfaced as a potential internal choice in the event that Brian Snitker would rather see his bat in the starting lineup. Grissom might find it difficult to adjust to a new role, though.
The Braves might consider Hunter Renfroe, who played for the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels last season, as an alternative, according to Bleacher Report. This is what they contend:
With Eddie Rosario’s $9 million club option rejected, the one glaring vacancy in the Atlanta lineup is left field.
Over the course of his eight-year career, slugger Hunter Renfroe has averaged 34 home runs per 162 games and possesses one of the best throwing arms in baseball, according to Joel Reuter.
Should the Braves sign Hunter Renfroe to replace Eddie Rosario?
According to Spotrac, Rosario would make less money than Renfroe, who had the Braves reject his $9 million option just this winter.
Renfroe can likely be gotten for about a two-year deal costing up to $18 million AAV if Atlanta is ready to pay a little bit more.
That appears pricey, and for good reason. It would be wiser for Anthopoulos to hold off on making a roughly $20 million annual commitment to one player until the corner outfield market has somewhat stabilized. Renfroe has a moderate amount of power, but Rosario also did.
It’s likely that Anthopoulos will discover a cost-effective or internal solution. Should Renfroe’s cost decrease, the fit becomes logical.
