ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays have signed infielder Amed Rosario to a one-year, $1.5 million deal, which includes an additional $500,000 in incentives, according to sources. To make room for Rosario on the 40-man roster, pitcher Drew Rasmussen was placed on the 60-day injured list, the team announced on Monday.
Rosario, 28, had a challenging season in 2023, hitting just .265 with a wRC+ of 87 and struggling defensively at shortstop while playing for the Cleveland Guardians. He was later traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he showed improvement in a small sample size, hitting .256 with a wRC+ of 93.
The Rays, who are currently dealing with uncertainty at the shortstop position due to the absence of Wander Franco and Taylor Walls, see Rosario as a potential option to fill the void. President of baseball operations Erik Neander recently mentioned the possibility of José Caballero starting at shortstop, but Rosario’s versatility could also make him a valuable asset to the team.
Despite his struggles in 2023, Rosario generated significant interest in the offseason, with several teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays, expressing interest in signing him. However, the Rays ultimately secured the deal and could potentially use Rosario in a platoon role alongside Brandon Lowe at second base or as a designated hitter.
Overall, Rosario’s signing adds depth and versatility to the Rays’ lineup, offering potential solutions to their current roster challenges.