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Atlanta Braves Sign Marcell Ozuna To One-Year Deal

By Deke Lloyd

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Marcell Ozuna #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals attempts to make the catch on an RBI double by Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals in the third inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Marcell Ozuna #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals attempts to make the catch on an RBI double by Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals in the third inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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After missing out on Josh Donaldson, the Atlanta Braves had a power void in the middle of the lineup. Today, the Braves filled that need by signing Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, 18 million dollar deal.

The Atlanta Braves had a gaping hole in the middle of their lineup that was once occupied by Josh Donaldson. With Donaldson taking his talents to Minnesota, the Braves had to audible to Plan B. There were quite a few options the Braves seemed to be kicking around. Kris Bryant and Nolan Arenado were the pie in the sky options that seemed unrealistic. Other options included Nick Castellanos or Marcell Ozuna. The Braves made their decision this evening, going with Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna will be coming to Atlanta after signing a one-year deal for 18 million dollars. Ozuna will be exiting St. Louis, where he has spent the last two seasons. Before that, Ozuna started his career with the Miami Marlins. Having dealt with Ozuna in St. Louis and Miami, the Braves were very familiar with what Ozuna is capable of bringing to a lineup.

Ozuna saw his numbers dip from the stellar heights he reached in Miami after being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. With that said, Ozuna was still very productive during his time in St. Louis. Last season, Ozuna finished with 29 home runs and 89 runs batted in. In 2018, Ozuna hit 23 home runs and batted in 88 runs. In 2017, his best season as a pro and last with Miami, Ozuna hit 37 home runs and batted in 137 runs, while batting .312.

The Atlanta Braves needed a big move, and today they got their guy. Marcell Ozuna will slot in perfectly behind Freeman, and into the outfield. Taking a quick glance at his numbers over the last three seasons, if Ozuna can provide similar production, the Braves will be very happy. It’s possible Ozuna could put up even bigger numbers with Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, and Freddie Freeman in front of him. The Braves lineup is in good shape as we move closer to the season.

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