Veteran Braves Requests New Deal.
The Atlanta Braves must decide how to use their designated hitter going forward.
This offseason, the Atlanta Braves have some choices to make.
The biggest question concerns starting pitcher Max Fried’s impending free agency. Given the dearth of top-tier starting options that become available in free agency each offseason, the lefty, who turned thirty this past offseason, is anticipated to be among the most sought-after free agents in the upcoming class.
The choice on Marcell Ozuna, the designated hitter, is a big roster-related one that comes right after Fried’s free agency. After his Silver Slugger season in 2020—a season in which he led the National League in home runs (18), RBIs (56), and total bases (145) and led all of MLB in plate appearances (267)—he signed a four-year, $65 million contract, the final season of which is guaranteed.
After Ozuna played in just 172 games overall due to injuries and off-field concerns, and hit a combined.222 with a.397 slugging percentage, the first two years of the agreement appeared to be a rare failure for President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos. But “the Big Bear” has been hitting.284 and hitting 49 home runs in the last two seasons, supporting the decision.
With his two RBIs last night, Ozuna set team records in all three slashline categories (.344,.416, and.678) and now leads Major League Baseball in RBIs (31) and home runs (9). He expressed his hope to sign an extension with The Athletic’s David O’Brien so that he would stay in Atlanta past this season, which is the final guaranteed year of his contract. Ozuna said to O’Brien, “Yeah, there’s no way you want to go explore somewhere else when you feel comfortable, when you have your teammates and your organization’s love.” “I made a decision that I am certain about. I have no desire to travel elsewhere.
(The Braves do have a $16 million club option for Ozuna that expires in one year with a $1 million buyout; given our current situation, it seems highly likely that the option will be selected.)
Is it appropriate for the Braves to proceed with signing Ozuna to an extension? Let’s evaluate each decision’s supporting evidence.
Reasons for Atlanta to sign Marcell Ozuna again
Ozuna’s return will depend on two factors: his performance on the field and his contributions to the clubhouse.
Making the on-field case is the simplest: Ozuna has been one of the finest hitters in baseball since May 1st, 2023, when he overcame a terrible start (.085 w/.397 OPS) with a spectacular series against the Marlins in his home city of Miami during the offseason. His total stat line is ridiculous.305/.375/.615, his 47 home runs during that time tied for second place with Kyle Schwarber of Philly (and just behind teammate Matt Olson).
And unlike the majority of MLB’s finest hitters, Ozuna has been using the designated hitter position to accomplish this every day, effectively receiving four pinch-hit opportunities every game. Braves players will tell you that’s something that not every player can accomplish. Back in early April, Austin Riley said, “It takes getting used to.” “It feels like you’re playing defense because you’re always engrossed in the action and following the game’s flow.” Additionally, as a DH, you might have to wait 45 minutes for your next turn. Thus, becoming a DH requires a unique individual.
Ozuna’s on-field performance, which has been outstanding, is the starting point for any debate about allocating more guaranteed money for him, but the Dominican Republic veteran has contributed to the team in other ways as well.
A few Braves players have talked about how a pep talk from Marcell Ozun helpeda them, and Michael Harris II is the only one who can take credit for Marcell’s 2023 comeback after he was hitting just.163 in the first part of June due to back and leg problems. “Marcell came up to me and gave me the pep talk that I needed,” Harris recalled telling Ozuna during the eighth inning of the New York Mets game on June 6. “After telling me that at-bat would be the beginning of my season, I’ve been hitting the ball hard and seeing it well ever since.He simply reminded me that I have the ability to be among the league’s best players; all I need to do is trust in my abilities, go out there, and play without worrying about the technical aspects of the game.
In just 100 games, Harris posted a.335/.360/.552 line with 16 home runs and 15 stolen bases from the day of the pep talk to the end of the season.
Not only have the younger players benefited from Ozuna’s advice, but last weekend’s hero, veteran Travis d’Arnaud, also gave credit to Ozuna for inspiring him to smash five home runs in eight at-bats. “He really assisted me four days prior,” d’Arnaud declared on Sunday. “We were in Houston, and I’m feeling better right now. He always has everyone’s back, is a fantastic batter who knows how to hit, and never tries to do too much. Thank God I’m on the same squad as him.
In just 100 games, Harris posted a.335/.360/.552 line with 16 home runs and 15 stolen bases from the day of the pep talk to the end of the season.
Not only have the younger players benefited from Ozuna’s advice, but last weekend’s hero, veteran Travis d’Arnaud, also gave credit to Ozuna for inspiring him to smash five home runs in eight at-bats. “He really assisted me four days prior,” d’Arnaud declared on Sunday. “We were in Houston, and I’m feeling better right now. He always has everyone’s back, is a fantastic batter who knows how to hit, and never tries to do too much. Thank God I’m on the same squad as him.
