Braves Signing Marcell Ozuna is Perfect Consolation Prize After Missing Out on Josh Donaldson
The Atlanta Braves were hoping to re-sign star player and former MVP Josh Donaldson to a four-year contract during the MLB offseason. The slugger hit 37 home runs and knocked in 94 RBI this past year for the NL East champs.
However, Donaldson left in free agency to sign with the Minnesota Twins in a shocking move. The Braves, in return, picked up arguably the best player still left on the free agent market, Marcell Ozuna, on a safe one-year, $18 million contract.
Marcell Ozuna signs one-year, $18M deal with Braves, per @JeffPassan
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) January 22, 2020
He hit 29 HR and 89 RBI in 130 games last season pic.twitter.com/kxhmkMPXzy
Ozuna is a two-time All Star (2016 and 2017), and at just 29 years old, can still produce solid numbers, averaging 28 HR and 94 RBI over the past four seasons.
However, the loss of Donaldson will still sting for Atlanta, and will put more pressure on Austin Riley to perform at the hot corner. Ozuna will likely slot in at left field, joining an outfield consisting of Nick Markakis and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Nelson Cruz - 41 HR
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) January 15, 2020
Josh Donaldson - 37 HR
Max Kepler - 36 HR
Miguel Sano - 34 HR
Eddie Rosario - 32 HR
Mitch Garver - 31 HR
Jorge Polanco - 22 HR
The Bringer of Rain is going to be bringing even more Bombas to Minnesota ?? pic.twitter.com/7IGrVgEDJ4
Losing Donaldson will no doubt be a blow to the Braves, but the smart signing of Ozuna should help soften the loss and keep Brian Snitker's club in World Series contention this year.