Atlanta Braves outfielder Eddie Rosario played just 80 games last season.
The results weren’t pretty: a .212/.259/.328 line with a lousy .587 OPS.
His vision was reportedly a problem.
However, he recently told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman that is no longer an issue.
The left-handed hitter needed laser surgery to fix swelling and blurred vision in his right eye last year.
After an adjustment year, he is now ready to take off, and Bowman is forecasting a great year for him.
“Rosario will hit 30 homers this year. Given he’s had a 30-homer season, that’s not going out on a limb. But given where he was last year, does this qualify as a bold prediction?” I tweeted.
Rosario will hit 30 homers this year. Given he’s had a 30-homer season, that’s not going out on a limb. But given where he was last year, does this qualify as a bold prediction?
—Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 20, 2023
After watching Rosario play last year, it sure seems like a bold prediction.
He is, however, very much capable of returning to the level that made him a force in the Braves’ 2021 postseason run.
He is still in his prime, at 31, and has a reputation of being a strong power hitter.
He hit 27 homers in 2017, 24 in 2018 and peaked in 2019 with 32.
Plate skills have always been an issue, but as long as he is hitting homers consistently, the Braves will probably take the good with the bad.
If his vision is truly back to 100 percent, there is reason to believe he can at least return to being a fine regular, a goal he could not achieve last season.
Only time will tell, but 2023 could be Rosario’s best regular season since 2020.
Atlanta could definitely use some consistency out of him.
They are trying to fend off the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies in the East, and every contribution helps.
NEXT:
Matt Olson Continues To Absolutely Rake This Spring
