3 moves Braves should make next after Sean Murphy contract extension
By Tim Boyle
2. The Braves need to say goodbye to Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna is one of the few drains the Braves have on their roster. He has been arrested while employed by them, which for many fans is enough to part ways. It’s Ozuna’s performance on the field that secures it. The Braves need to part ways with him.
Ozuna is one of the pricier players on the Braves roster with a salary of $16 million in each of the next two seasons. His club option doesn’t come up until 2025. Will Atlanta really give him two more seasons of chances?
His time in Atlanta peaked in the shortened 2020 season when he led the league with 18 home runs and 56 RBI. He has been horrible in the last two seasons and getting himself into trouble off the field.
Now a DH who might not hit .230 or even have an OBP over .300, all Ozuna brings to the field is power. He’s going to strike out about once per game he appears in. When Atlanta does start him in left field, they’ll need to replace him late with a better defender.
Many athletes hit a wall at some point in their 30s. Ozuna seemed to have reached his a little quicker than most. The roster spot he takes up can be somewhat limiting. They already have Eddie Rosario looking for playing time. There’s also one free agent left for them to look toward as an external option to replace Ozuna on the roster. Braves fans already know him well, too.