Braves: 3 Marcell Ozuna replacements on free agent market

If the Atlanta Braves choose to move on from Marcell Ozuna, there are plenty of outfielders remaining on the free agent market.

Ozuna, as of now, is not suspended. Per MLB, his punishment was taken care of last season, and he has entered a domestic violence treatment program as part of his plea deal. Yet, the league faced outrage just last week when police video of the Ozuna incident was released via TMZ.

“My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Marcell Ozuna violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a league statement. “Having reviewed the totality of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Ozuna violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate.”

Manfred and MLB have larger issues to deal with at the moment, with the CBA expired and the league and its players in a lockout. By the time the two sides agree to a deal, Ozuna could either face further punishment or this will all blow over. The details of his arrest have been available for months, yet it’s different viewing his vulgar actions on camera.

Braves could replace Marcell Ozuna with a few familiar faces

At the trade deadline last season, the Braves picked up four outfielders, as their depth at the position was shockingly thin. With Ozuna’s status still up in the air, and Ronald Acuña out for the time being, the Braves can’t afford to merely let their left fielder go without a backup plan.

So, why not go to a familiar face? Both Eddie Rosario and Joc Pederson remain available, and both can play left field and/or designated hitter should the National League employ that strategy in the new CBA. Rosario slashed .271/.330/.573 with the Braves after being traded over from Cleveland, while Pederson hit .249/.325/.428 and made opposing teams clutch their pearls in the postseason.

Braves could swing big, sign Kyle Schwarber

Schwarber has garnered interest from the Braves’ division rivals, the Phillies and Marlins. He’s looking for a three-year contract worth around $60 million once the lockout ends, which is well within the Braves’ range even after they pay Freddie Freeman.

The 28-year-old is an ideal designated hitter, but he can play left field and first base as well. Schwarber reinvented his swing with hitting coach Kevin Long in Washington before he was eventually traded to the Red Sox. In the regular season and playoffs with Boston, Schwarber displayed an immense amount of power that he could surely bring to the ATL.

Schwarber and Ozuna are very similar players with immense power. If the Braves feel the need to act based on Ozuna’s latest off-field drama, Schwarber is an exact replica available for a good price.