Braves Reportedly Interested in Marcell Ozuna if They Can't Sign Josh Donaldson
By Scott Rogust
The Atlanta Braves are hellbent on trying to retain third baseman Josh Donaldson, who had a comeback 2019 season with the team. If that doesn't occur, they have a pretty good fallback option.
Atlanta is reportedly interested in signing former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Marcell Ozuna if the team can't re-sign Donaldson.
Source: #Braves showing interest in Marcell Ozuna and are poised to make an effort to sign him if Josh Donaldson lands elsewhere. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 11, 2019
Donaldson, who hit 37 home runs and 94 RBI with Atlanta this past season, has a long list of suitors around the league. With the Braves already signing the likes of Will Smith and Cole Hamels this winter, the likelihood of Atlanta outbidding another team for the slugging third baseman is very low.
Ozuna does fit the bill for the slugger's role in Atlanta's batting order. However, the 29-year-old outfielder also has numerous interested teams. Those include the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers.
Braves showing interest in OF Marcell Ozuna https://t.co/XALvUS8mWV
— Rotoworld Baseball (@Rotoworld_BB) December 11, 2019
In 130 games with the Cardinals in 2019, Ozuna recorded a .241 batting average, .328 on-base percentage, and .472 slugging percentage, with 29 home runs and 89 RBI.
The Atlanta Braves are pushing for a World Series run after watching their rivals in the Washington Nationals hoist the Commissioner's Trophy.