Marcell Ozuna is almost universally regarded as one of the top five free agents available this offseason. And while he clubbed 18 home runs adding 56 RBI during the 60-game 2020 season for Atlanta, the Braves don't really have the inside track to bringing him back.
There's no denying Ozuna's impact on Atlanta this year as he provided protection for likely-MVP Freddie Freeman in the lineup, while also having a MVP-caliber season himself.
The biggest problem for the reality of Ozuna returning to Atlanta is that he's had such a good season he may have priced the Braves out of it. MLB's decision to return to pitchers hitting during the 2021 season instead of keeping the DH is also a detractor.
John and Hugh chat about Ozuna's free agency and if the Braves can bring him back.
"What Marcell Ozuna was able to do here, and being a little bit older, he might be looking to cash out and cash in on the success that he's had," says Hugh Douglas. "You don't want to set the market, they're going to let him know they want him, but you let other people set the market and see where you're comfortable."
"If the National League had adopted the DH and kept it, then you would have every reason to believe the Braves would make a serious offer for Marcell Ozuna. But since they're not going to keep it, I'm not putting Marcell Ozuna in left field for the whole year," proclaims John Fricke. "It's dangerous and he's only average as best as far as fielding goes."
"He's probably going to get an offer so big in the American League that he can't refuse," closes Fricke.