Former Guardians shortstop Amed Rosario signs with AL Contender

This is about the time of year that veteran free agents who are still without a home end up agreeing to deals that could hopefully lead to longer contracts in the future should everything go right. A former member of the Cleveland Guardians, Amed Rosario, has found a new home with an American League contender.

Rosario has agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year $1.5 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The 28-year-old is apparently slotted to play more than just the shortstop position, as Passan notes that second base and corner outfield will be potential spots for Rosario to see playing time. 

Very much an average bat in the lineup, the seven-year veteran should be able to handle the duties of playing multiple positions on a semi-regular basis. The only issue would be his abilities as a defender. At best, Rosario is incredibly average in this area, with his limitations being exposed following the shift ban leaguewide. The Rays are going to attempt to cover up his deficiencies in the field by having enough good defenders around him that it will be much less of an issue.

Being used in a utility role of sorts would make a lot of sense for Rosario. Unfortunately, that was never going to be possible during his time in a Guardians uniform. There was not a better shortstop option for Cleveland to turn to, which ended any and all conversations of this possibility taking place. Additionally, attempting to shift Rosario into an outfield role when there were multiple players on the roster capable of playing much better defense made this proposition a non-starter. The only real that could have been made would have been swapping Rosario with Andres Gimenez at second base. But then again, that would take away having two strong defenders on either side of him, and that is far from ideal.

Rosario appeared in 388 games in just about 2.5 seasons with the Guardians, slashing .278/.314/.397 with 70 doubles, 25 home runs, and 21 triples while stealing 40 bases.