3 Braves roster holes and how the team should fill them this offseason

3. Atlanta Braves rumors: Release Marcell Ozuna, pair Eddie Rosario with a righty in a platoon

Marcell Ozuna’s time with Atlanta should have ended long ago. Unfortunately, the team has yet to cut him loose. He can still hit for power which is one of the major reasons why he is lined up to potentially start in left field for them on Opening Day 2023.

It’s still a hole even if he’s present. We shouldn’t expect much from him. After releasing Ozuna, what is it that the Braves should do?

Eddie Rosario is still with the team. The left-handed hitting left field option was hurt for a large portion of 2022 and underperformed when healthy. Setting up a potential platoon next year at the position might be one of the more realistic plans for Atlanta.

The trade market should give Atlanta plenty of options. In free agency, righties like AJ Pollock and Tommy Pham could be targets.

Moving on from Ozuna does more than give the team the ability to upgrade left field. It also clears out a roster spot. William Contreras is a nice DH to have but as a catcher, it forces them to carry three on the roster. Ozuna is limited enough, fading on the field, and enough of a distraction for the Braves to look elsewhere.

Because there is still $37 million owed to him over the next three years, the Braves will more likely wait it out. If that’s the case, the leash should be short. They must pay him regardless. He’s already a liability on defense. Looking elsewhere should be something the Braves already have in the back of their minds.