Atlanta Braves: 3 best moves of the offseason so far
By John Buhler
17. Pick Analysis. Marcell Ozuna. LF. Atlanta Braves. 1. player. Scouting Report
The straw that stirred the drink of Mix It Up is back!
Let’s be real. This was the only offseason move that mattered. By bringing back outfielder Marcell Ozuna on a four-year, $65 million contract, the Braves can feel good about their chances to compete for a World Series in the years to come. He may never be able to achieve what he did a season ago in the designated hitter role, but Atlanta is absolutely better with Ozuna coming back.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Ozuna will be the team’s everyday left fielder. While some pundits have questioned his defensive abilities in the outfield, it was not all that long ago Ozuna won a Gold Glove playing for the division rival Miami Marlins. What this move is all about is securing the power bat to hit behind reigning NL MVP first baseman Freddie Freeman.
With added protection in the lineup, the Braves should be able to rake like they did a season ago. While Freeman won NL MVP, Ozuna nearly won the Triple Crown, as he led the Senior Circuit with 18 home runs and 56 runs batted in. Not only was he insanely productive at the plate, but he was instrumental in this team’s chemistry. When we think back to Mix It Up, we first think of Ozuna.
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With his bright yellow neon sleeve and his proclivity of taking imaginary selfies after a big fly, Ozuna gave the usually reserved Braves franchise some much-needed swagger. This was one of the most fun teams in baseball a season ago. By bringing back Ozuna on a multi-year deal, Atlanta is expecting him to be an offensive catalyst to help the club win its first World Series since 1995.
Have the Braves done enough this winter to win the National League for the first time since 1999?