Atlanta Braves Reunite with Familiar Faces Amid Ongoing Roster Turmoil
The Atlanta Braves appear to be embracing the idea that what’s old might still be new again. In a series of moves that underscore their current state of roster flux, the Braves have opted to circle back to players from their recent past in hopes of finding the right mix to spark productivity—especially in a struggling outfield.
Eddie Rosario Returns to the Braves
Among the recent transactions, the most notable is the signing of outfielder Eddie Rosario to a major league contract. Braves fans will remember Rosario as a key contributor during Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run, where he played a pivotal role both offensively and defensively. His return now comes at a time when the Braves are looking for answers in their outfield, which has underperformed significantly in the early weeks of the 2025 MLB season.
Rosario recently became a free agent after turning down an outright assignment from the Los Angeles Dodgers. His stint in L.A. was brief and unimpressive, limited to two appearances as a designated hitter. Nevertheless, Atlanta is taking a chance on the 32-year-old veteran, perhaps hoping to recapture some of the magic he brought to the team four years ago.
Still, expectations should be tempered. Rosario’s 2024 season with the Dodgers was statistically poor. He slashed .175/.215/.316 across the year, hit just 10 home runs, and posted a dismal 45 wRC+. These numbers point to a steep decline from his peak performance, making it unlikely that he will serve as a long-term fix for the Braves’ outfield woes. At best, Rosario appears to be a stopgap while the team explores other more sustainable solutions.
Braves Outfield Struggles Prompt Urgency
Atlanta’s desperation in the outfield can’t be understated. Through the first month of the 2025 season, Braves outfielders have managed a combined -0.6 fWAR, a measure that places them among the least productive groups in Major League Baseball. Whether due to injuries, inconsistency, or underwhelming performances, the Braves’ outfield has become a revolving door, with the club hoping that any new face—especially one with a familiar resume—might provide a spark.
Jarred Kelenic Optioned After Continued Offensive Struggles
Meanwhile, the Braves are parting ways, at least temporarily, with another outfield experiment: Jarred Kelenic. Acquired prior to the 2024 season, Kelenic was seen as a high-upside play, a former top prospect who had yet to put it all together at the major league level. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s gamble has not paid off thus far.
In 65 plate appearances this year, Kelenic has struggled mightily, hitting just .167/.231/.300 with two home runs and a 48 wRC+. His fWAR stands at -0.4, a regression from his already modest 2024 numbers, which included a wRC+ of 86 and 0.5 fWAR across 131 games. His demotion to Triple-A is a clear signal that the Braves believe Kelenic needs more time and less pressure to recalibrate his approach at the plate.
His defensive contributions and potential long-term upside remain part of the equation, but at this point, Kelenic’s path back to being an everyday outfielder in Atlanta will require significant adjustments.
Ian Anderson Returns to the Fold
In addition to Rosario’s signing, another former Braves player is rejoining the organization: right-handed pitcher Ian Anderson. A key piece of the team’s rotation during their championship run in 2021, Anderson has been working his way back from injury and has now officially rejoined the big league roster.
Anderson’s return is another example of the Braves revisiting successful past connections. His ability to contribute meaningfully will depend largely on his health and command, which have been inconsistent in previous seasons. Nonetheless, his familiarity with the organization and past postseason pedigree make him a potentially valuable piece, particularly if Atlanta continues to grapple with depth issues on the pitching staff.
Pitching Moves Continue: Daniel Down, Thompson DFA’d
The Braves also made some moves on the pitching side of the roster, continuing a pattern of frequent call-ups and send-downs in search of effective innings. Rookie right-hander Davis Daniel, who made his Braves debut during Sunday’s loss to the Diamondbacks, has been optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett. Daniel pitched a scoreless inning in his lone outing, a small but noteworthy highlight for a player trying to establish a foothold in the majors.
Zach Thompson, another pitcher who recently contributed in a limited role, has been designated for assignment. Thompson threw 3.2 scoreless innings in two appearances earlier this season during Atlanta’s road trip to Tampa Bay and Toronto. However, he hasn’t appeared in a game since April 15, and with roster spots at a premium, the Braves decided to cut ties—at least for now.
A Strategy of Familiarity and Flexibility
Collectively, these moves represent a broader strategy by the Braves’ front office—one of adaptability and a willingness to lean on organizational familiarity during uncertain times. Just as the team has often left the door open for long-time bullpen arm Jesse Chavez, it now seems to be extending the same courtesy to other former contributors such as Anderson and Rosario.
This isn’t the first time the Braves have turned to the past to navigate the present, and it likely won’t be the last. While fans may yearn for new talent or big-splash acquisitions, the Braves are showing a clear preference for players who know the culture, understand the system, and have performed under pressure in the past. Whether this method will bear fruit remains to be seen.
For now, Atlanta’s roster remains in a state of churn. Injuries, underperformance, and the pursuit of chemistry continue to shape a team that, despite its struggles, still harbors playoff aspirations. The reintroduction of familiar names like Eddie Rosario and Ian Anderson is a calculated risk—a low-cost, potentially high-reward maneuver designed to stabilize a shaky start to the season.
Final Thoughts: Can the Braves Recapture Their Old Magic?
The Braves’ recent moves are emblematic of a team trying to recapture a spark—whether it’s the bat of Eddie Rosario, the arm of Ian Anderson, or the hope that Jarred Kelenic might one day live up to his billing. These roster shuffles may not be dramatic, but they reflect a team committed to tinkering and optimizing, searching for a winning combination that might turn the season around.
Only time will tell if these familiar faces can help restore some of the Braves’ former glory. For now, the revolving door keeps turning, and the reunion tour rolls on.
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