The Cincinnati Reds officially designated infielder Amed Rosario for assignment on Monday.

Gordon Wittenmyer announced the news on social media:

The Reds DFA are waiting on free agents Brandon Leibrandt and Amed Rosario to create a 40-man roster to activate Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the 60-day IL – technicalities required for the latter pair due to their assignments. “rehabilitation” in the Ariz Fall League has expired.

The roster change is really just a formality at this point. Rosario is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but the Reds got a head start because they needed to return McLain and Encarnacion-Strand to the 40-man roster. Usually, when a player is designated for assignment, he can be traded within a week, but there are no trades at this time since the season is underway.

Why should Mariners fans care right now? Even if Rosario can’t be traded, it’s just a way to remind M fans that he’ll be there when the offseason officially begins. The 28-year-old former top prospect could be a good fit for the M’s as they look to build their roster.

First, Rosario will play next season at age 29, which means he still has the youth the M covets. Second, he has versatility. He can play second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield. Seattle figures should have position openings in both second and third, at least in platoon options. Third, he played the 2024 season on a $1.5 million contract, so he should be cheap, which the M’s also like.

The eight-year veteran played for the New York Mets, Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers and Reds. He hit .280 last season in 103 total games.

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