It seemed clear from the start of the 2026 offseason that the Atlanta Braves weren't interested in re-signing Marcell Ozuna. The aging slugger went from hitting over .300 and driving in 104 runners in the 2024 season to being a consistent liability the following year. Last season, Ozuna managed only a .232 average and drove in 68 runners while offering lesser power numbers. It was a no-brainer that Atlanta was moving on as Ozuna hit free agency and the Braves pivoted, signing Mike Yastrzemski as outfield depth and an option at DH.
However, what seemed an obvious decision has changed as Ozuna's market has developed and been shockingly quiet. The veteran is yet to sign with spring training quickly approaching, and appears to have limited options. This puts a re-signing back on the table if the hitter were willing to take a hometown discount on a one-year deal. It would hand the Braves a great rotating cast with Drake Baldwin, Sean Murphy, Yastrzemski, and Ozuna all taking turns at DH.
Manager Walt Weiss could ride the hot hand and the benefits presented by right and left-handed matchups, based on the results. It makes sense to go back to what appeared to be an obvious decision, due to a quiet market. There is a chance Ozuna has something left in the tank, giving him some level of value even if his role is reduced to energy off the bench and a power pinch-hitting option.
Braves Should Reconsider Re-signing Marcell Ozuna After Quiet Offseason
It made sense not to bring Ozuna back when it appeared Atlanta was going to penny pinch and the slugger was coming off a rough season. What has changed is that Atlanta's impressive offseason spending has brought the franchise back into the postseason conversation, removing expectations from a potential Ozuna return.
Bringing back the veteran is about having the wildcard option and having his energy and enthusiasm in the dugout. It is a trait the Braves so often appeared to be missing over the last two seasons, making Ozuna stand out as an energetic and engaged presence. Bringing this back provides value even if you're not getting the elite offense Ozuna has offered in years past.
Another piece of this story is that Ozuna had an eerily similar 2022 season to the numbers he put up last year. It set up a dynamic 2023 where the power hitter drove in 100 runners and hit 40 home runs as a premier power threat in the middle of the Braves lineup.
Bringing back this wildcard is a potentially savvy move for a front office already putting together a strong offseason. It is a reversal of what appeared to be a clear decision based on a market that is yet to offer the accomplished veteran a fitting opportunity. Setting the stage for the Braves to take advantage and attempt one final deal with Ozuna.