As Atlanta fans sit and await the return of DH Marcell Ozuna, the hitter's impact has to be appreciated. What would Atlanta's record be if not for the contributions of the veteran?
Already, the first games of the season have been frustrating. Ozuna has been a lone bright spot, allowing fans at least one hitter they can rely on. While the fate of the season is still within the team's grasp, it is clear that for a turnaround to happen, a healthy Ozuna must be a focal point of the Atlanta offense.
Consider the fact the veteran has already garnered 16 walks on the season and leads the team in average, walks, OBP, and is tied for the lead in runs scored. All of this production happened despite missing time as the Braves took on the Blue Jays. Ozuna's offensive impact continues to highlight what has been one of the more impressive turnarounds in franchise history.
Marcell Ozuna Has Put the Braves' Offense on His Back
It wasn't long ago that many were speculating not only that Ozuna could fall out of the team's lineup but perhaps become a release. An impressive offensive turnaround made Brian Snitker's patience look to be a stroke of genius, and Ozuna hasn't slowed since. The power numbers continue to impress, while the slugger has hit at an impressive average. It has helped to cover a long list of Atlanta's frustrations over the past two seasons.
There is no denying how integral Ozuna has been not only to his team at the plate but also in the dugout. Whether it is the team's mascot or how the veteran interacts with his teammates, it is a needed energy. For a team that appears to have few loud personalities, Ozuna brings a needed infectious energy. One that can help Atlanta survive a tenous start and leaves reason to believe we haven't seen the last of the slugger in Atlanta.
Despite entering a contract year, it would be shocking not to see the veteran retained. What he has meant to Atlanta's lineup and brought from a leadership standpoint will be incredibly difficult to replace. No matter the future, Ozuna remains the unquestioned best part of this year's early offensive performance.
And of course, this is all to say nothing of how bad Drake Baldwin has been in relief of Ozuna. As of publishing (midway through Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays), Baldwin is sitting with no hits and three strikeouts. How different would this game have been with Ozuna in the lineup?