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: Will Newton/Getty Images
Credit: Will Newton/Getty Images /

3. Anthony Santander, Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles lost their 12th straight game on Saturday. They’re already 15.5 games back in the AL East, and 10 games behind anyone else in the division. So the for sale signs are surely being readied for some players.

Santander followed a breakthrough in 2019 (20 home runs in 93 games) with a good 2020 (.890 OPS, 11 home runs, 32 RBI, 136 OPS+ in 37 games before an oblique injury ended his season). He missed almost a month with a sprained ankle earlier this year. Since returning from that injury, he’s on a nine-game hitting streak with a .389 average and eight extra base hits (seven doubles) over that span. That could be a nice boost to his trade value, as the Orioles have to consider such a thing.

The years of team control Santander has left (arbitration-eligible for the first time next winter) will make him an appealing trade target for plenty of teams. That could also compel the Orioles to keep him, unless they get a really sweet offer.

Santander has only played right field so far this year, and that was the spot he played most of last year. But he played a solid sample of all three outfield spots for the Orioles in 2019, which looks to be a nice fit for the Braves with Ronald Acuna also able to move around some.

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