Fansided

Marcell Ozuna replacements Braves can target via trade or free agency

By Brad Berreman

May 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Marcell Ozuna (20) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Marcell Ozuna (20) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Credit: Joe Sargent/Getty Images /

4. Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are in the cellar of the NL Central once again, and they are sure to be a prime seller over the next 6-8 weeks heading toward the trade deadline.

Reynolds had a nice season in 2019 (.314, .880 OPS, 16 home runs, 37 doubles, 68 RBI, 129 OPS+) on his way to a fourth place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Then last year was a real struggle (.189 average in 55 games), as it was for a fair chunk of players in an atypical and short season. But he’s back on track so far in 2021 (.290, six home runs, 16 doubles, 21 RBI, 142 OPS+) .

Reynolds won’t be mistaken for a great defensive outfielder, but he can play left and center field and there will be contending teams interested in him over the next several weeks. The Pirates may hesitate to trade him, since he’ll be arbitration-eligible for the first time next winter and he’s theoretically a piece of hope for a resurgence in coming years.

The Braves absolutely should have interest in Reynolds though. Their circumstances point to them getting ahead of the deadline curve in the trade market for outfielders

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