U.S.- The days of Eddie Rosario tormenting the Indians are over.
“It’s good to have him on our side now,” said Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of sports operations.
The Puerto Rican outfielder passed his physical examination on Thursday, which concluded the agreement for one year and eight million dollars that he agreed to last week.
Rosario, 29, will bring power to the Indians’ lineup following the departure of fellow All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Carlos Santana.
Both left in the current break between campaigns.
During the previous six seasons, Rosario was a member of the Minnesota Twins, whom he helped win back-to-back AL Central titles in the past two years.
There have been many years and many memories where he has found all kinds of pitches and has taken the ball out of the park when he plays against us. So it will be nice to have his bat in our lineup now. ”
Rosario, who is a left-handed hitter, hit 13 home runs in 57 games last season. In 2019, he set a career-best 32 homers and had 109 RBIs.
He was particularly effective against Cleveland pitchers, hitting .301 with 22 home runs and 47 RBIs in 93 games. No other team has hit more home runs.
Cleveland outfielders hadn’t done much with the club in recent years. The club used numerous players to fill all three positions on the prairies.
Rosario can play in any field, although he has played mainly in the left.
“We are still figuring out whether or not he will play left or right,” Antonetti said. “But we see him as a capable player on defense anywhere, and he’s open to playing in any position.”
Rosario’s hiring comes after the Indians decided to retain Venezuelan second baseman César Hernández for a second season. It seemed like he was leaving as a free agent.
Cleveland is making good on Antonetti’s promise to reinvest part of the $ 32 million the club cut from its payroll last month when it loaned Lindor and Venezuelan starter Carlos Carrasco to reinforce the team. They both joined the New York Mets.
