Where Will Eddie Rosario Land?

The state of Minnesota has lost the North Stars, Krispy Kreme Donuts, and now Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario. A highly anticipated move, the Twins chose to cut ties with the power hitting lefty whose anticipated 2021 salary would have surpassed $10 million.

There’s no doubt that Eddie will be picked up by a team who needs a slightly above average corner outfielder. Rosario has proven to be a talented player yet lacks consistency both at the plate and on defense. Nonetheless, let's take a look at some probable new homes for Rosario.

Chicago White Sox

One of the most talented young rosters in baseball, the SouthSiders 2021 outfield will look different than it did this year. While Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez are locks, right field is up for rent as the Sox non-tendered the contract of Nomar Mazara earlier this week.

With no immediate prospects ready to fill Mazara’s hole, it’s likely that the White Sox will be looking to make a long-term fill through trade or free agency. Rosario could be a stellar grab for the Sox, a team already blossoming with offensive talent. While Mazara has a slight edge on Rosario’s defense, the comparison at the plate overwhelmingly favors Rosario. Mazara batted a meager .227 in 2020, a number that is still considerably shy of Rosarios sub-par .258 2020 season.

At 29, Rosario could be a veteran presence among some of the game's brightest young talent. And while it’s unlikely he’ll receive a contract anywhere for north of $10 million, Rosario’s value would be well worth a look from Chicago. His aggressive approach to the game would complement the style of baseball that the 21st century White Sox play.

Detroit Tigers

MLB Veteran Jordan Zimmerman became a free agent after the 2020 season, ending a tumultuous run in Detroit. The bright side? The Tigers have $25 million freed up in payroll and need someone who can hit the ball...hard.

Insert Eddie Rosario.

The 2020 Tigers outfield was a circus to say the least. Of the eight players who spent time on the field during the season, center fielder Victor Reyes was the only one to surpass 100 at bats (202). The next closest was JaCoby Jones with 97.

Detroit is yearning for consistent playing time in the outfield, something that Rosario can bring. While his plate approach is sporadic it’s almost certain that Eddie would immediately become an everyday starter for the Tigers, something they need.

Miami Marlins

Could we see a reunion of Eddie Rosario and former Twins hitting coach James Rowson? It’s definitely a possibility! Rowson helped groom Rosario from 2017-19 in Minnesota and it wouldn’t be crazy to speculate that the two have been in contact following their previous time together.

Corey Dickerson has left field locked down for the ‘Fins, but right field is nothing short of a revolving door for Miami. 2020 saw four different faces in right field for the Marlins, a number that they’d like to decrease. Let’s remember that right field may actually be Rosario’s best position.

Outside of baseball, Miami is a city blossoming with culture. Rosario was born in Puerto Rico and holds his Latino roots close to his heart, as does the city of Miami. The Marlins have some money freed up thanks to the end of Wei-Yin Chen’s $80 million contract alongside Brandon Kintzler’s 2021 option being declined. Of all the potential options that Rosie has, this one feels the most “right.”

Boston Red Sox

Red Sox faithful sure miss that Mookie Betts guy who went out to the west coast. And with Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kevin Pillar on the market, it’s probable the Sox will be looking for some replacement talent in the outfield.

Similar to other teams on this list, there’s a good chance that Rosario would be assigned to right field with the Red Sox. Playing right field at Fenway requires excellent defense, something that Kevin Pillar has got Rosario beat on. However, Rosario is a far superior offensive threat than Pillar and has shown he can play strong defense. He just needs to get in a groove of consistency.

Rosario’s network webs out to Boston as well. Manager Alex Cora is back on the block for 2021 and is no stranger to Rosario. In fact, Cora selected Rosario to play for him when he managed Team Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

https://twitter.com/NBCSBoston/status/1334593621123862528

Regardless of where Rosario ends up, we at Twins Daily wish him nothing but the best. There are few Twins players in the last decade who have drawn a following like Rosario has and there’s no denying that he was an integral part of the Twins success.

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