Fansided

Braves latest signing could mean more Marcell Ozuna competition

By Mark Powell

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves on the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on April 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves on the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on April 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) /
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It’s no secret that Atlanta Braves fans aren’t happy with Marcell Ozuna. But could the team’s latest signing really challenge him for playing time?

On Tuesday, Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos put in a waiver claim for outfielder Nick Solak, formerly of the Chicago White Sox. Solak will begin his Braves career in the minor leagues with Triple-A Gwinnett, and add to the system’s depth at the outfield position.

What does that mean for the major-league squad? Well, not much, at least not yet.

Marcell Ozuna has struggled mightily in right field. That is no secret, as he batting average is below .100. FanSided’s John Buhler even made this argument this morning that Max Fried could swing a better bat at the DH slot, and he’s not kidding.

"“Back when pitchers could hit, Fried was glorious in that role. His walk-off in 2021 remains one of the best memories a lot of Braves Country has with this core. Not to say his body will hold up DH’ing and toeing the rubber every fifth day, but he’s not going to look like a dorky kid struggling at tee ball out there. You’re doing great, Sweetie … until you’re not. Maybe he’s just an indoor kid?In finding substance through all the ramblings, we will get to the Fredi Gonzalez threshold with the Ozuna contract sooner rather than later.”"

What should Braves fans expect from Nick Solak

Solak is another player who prioritizes contact over power, making him the polar opposite of Ozuna. Solak has some experience at second base and in the outfield. Atlanta’s official waiver claim announcement listed him as an outfielder.

Solak doesn’t have a whole lot of consistent major-league experience. He’s a depth option, but one who is capable as a bench bat if called upon. He’s also a decent defender, and frankly right now could hit at a higher clip than Ozuna. He just doesn’t have the same ceiling.

However, the one thing the Braves and Brian Snitker should be asking themselves right now is this: Will Marcell Ozuna ever return to his 2020 form?

Right now, the answer is no, which is why I’m even entertaining this story angle regarding a player like Solak.

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