3 Braves players who’ll be better in 2023, and 2 who won’t

By Tim Boyle | Feb 9, 2023

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Eddie Rosario #8 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after getting out against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Sep 12, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Eddie Rosario (8) scores a run against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

These three Atlanta Braves players will be better in 2023 while these other two will decline or have a similar season.

The Atlanta Braves have more than a division title on their minds in 2023. The 2021 World Series Champions are hoping for a dynasty with some happier endings than their dominance of the division from the 1990s.

The core in Atlanta is one of the best in baseball. Young players locked up for years and veterans hoping to win a championship before it’s all over make up this roster.

In 2023, we can expect several of Atlanta’s players to have a better season than they did in 2022. They’ll either improve after battling through some injuries or benefit from more experience. Not everyone will get better. In fact, two players look like candidates to regress or stay the same.

Why Braves outfielder Eddie Rosario will be better in 2023

The case is clear as to why Eddie Rosario will have a better year in 2023. The 31-year-old missed about half the season, appearing in just 80 games for the 2022 Braves. He was quite atrocious like many of their outfielders they had expected a lot more from last season. In 270 trips to the plate. All Rosario offered was a .212/.259/.328 slash line. This wasn’t what the Braves had in mind.

The injury excuse is now over. It’s time for Rosario to be the player he was previously. A lifetime .270/.305/.462 hitter, Rosario doesn’t need to be a superstar. What Atlanta needs from him is competency.

Rosario is unlikely to ever swat 32 home runs or drive in 109 as he did with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. A more realistic expectation is what he did in 2021. In those 412 trips to the plate with Atlanta and Cleveland, Rosario slashed .259/.305/.435 with 14 home runs and 62 RBI.

The Braves won’t necessarily need to force Rosario into the lineup more than he’s needed. Because they do have other left field and DH options, Brian Snitker can try to use Rosario in more of a platoon situation. Rosario couldn’t possibly be much worse than he was last season. It’s an easy call to believe he’ll be one of the more improved Braves players.

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