Atlantas 2019 deal with Josh Donaldson proved to be a masterstroke, and although the front office was panned for letting the “Bringer of Rain” walk, GM Alex Anthopoulos 1 year offer for slugger Marcell Ozuna proved similarly productive. The Braves now deal with a comparable issue with Ozuna, wholl draw interest on multi-year offers as one of the best bats in free firm. In speaking with press reporters following the Braves NLCS exit, Anthopoulos made clear that re-signing Ozuna is a priority but likewise spoke with some care (links by means of Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Mark Bowman of MLB.com).
” I made the best choice to come play for the Braves,” Ozuna wrote on Instagram. “My time in Atlanta this year brought me so much pleasure and I will remember this season ALWAYS. None people know what the future holds, but I know the future is BIG and BRIGHT. Thank you all.”
Add in what need to be a competitive market for Ozunas services, and a reunion is far from a sure thing. The outcome cant be understood at this point, but Ozunas scenario currently has plenty of parallels with last years Donaldson saga.
Anthopoulos avoided concerns about group budget plan, noting that he had yet to discuss payroll with ownership and including, naturally for competitive purposes, that he wouldnt reveal the result of those talks even if they d occurred. The GM pointed to unpredictabilities about 2021 income and whether theyll play a full slate of games with fans in attendance next year as extra consider determining club payroll, re-signing totally free agents and exploring other offseason moves.
Impressive as that batted-ball profile was, Ozunas real results on the field were relatively pedestrian (.241/.328/.478). That output, combined with defensive questions and the draft-pick settlement connected to his name after declining a qualifying offer, tempered interest in Ozuna. That practically definitely wont be the case this winter, as Ozuna not just provided elite results at the plate but in some way managed to improve in each of those batted-ball metrics, recommending that his Herculean season is sustainable.
Donaldson, Ozuna and Cole Hamels represent other big-name, pricey one-year deals. Because Anthopoulos took the reins, the Braves havent done beyond Smiths $13.33 MM annual income on a multi-year deal for any free agent.
” Marcell was remarkable for us,” stated Anthopoulos. “He was amazing. We d love to have him back. I certainly intend on having discussions. … Were going to have to work hard to get as numerous responses as we can from an income perspective, a DH viewpoint, all of those things.”
The Braves now face a similar problem with Ozuna, wholl draw interest on multi-year offers as one of the very best bats in free company. Unlike Donaldson, Ozuna is disqualified for a certifying deal, having actually turned down one last winter. That not only boosts his free-agent stock but also puts the Braves at danger of receiving no compensation if he leaves. In speaking with reporters following the Braves NLCS exit, Anthopoulos made clear that re-signing Ozuna is a concern however also consulted with some caution (links via Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Mark Bowman of MLB.com).
Theres an extensively held belief throughout the industry that even if the NL DH is stricken from the rulebook in 2021, it will be executed as part of the 2021 collective bargaining talks. The Braves or any other NL club may be willing to bet on using Ozuna in left field for a year and then moving him to DH in 2022 and beyond, but some certainty on that front would certainly assist his market.
The Braves provided that chance, likely due to the upside Ozuna revealed in a big 2017 project with the Marlins and his top-of-the-scale scores in various Statcast steps of interest. In 2019, Ozuna ranked in the 85th percentile or much better in regards to barrel rate (85th), average exit speed (91st), hard-hit rate (96th), anticipated batting average (89th), expected slugging portion (90th) and expecte weighted on-base average (91st).
For a second straight season, the Braves advanced on an one-year offer for a middle-of-the-order hazard. Atlantas 2019 deal with Josh Donaldson showed to be a masterstroke, and although the front office was panned for letting the “Bringer of Rain” walk, GM Alex Anthopoulos 1 year deal for slugger Marcell Ozuna showed similarly rewarding. The previous Marlins and Cardinals slugger provided a superlative.338/.431/.636 slash and 18 home runs in 267 plate appearances, adding on 3 postseason big flies.
Specifics of Ozunas goals in complimentary agency cant be known, but his choice to bank on himself last winter season might hardly have gone better. Ozuna apparently denied a three-year offer to sign with the Reds, instead selecting a bigger one-year income and the chance to return to free firm this winter season.
Donaldson, Ozuna and Cole Hamels represent other prominent, expensive 1 year deals. Ozuna should seemingly command at least a four-year deal– possibly a five-year pact– at a base rate in line with or more likely surpassing his present $18MM salary.
As for Ozuna himself, the future 30-year-old slugger took to social networks to offer kind words and appreciation toward the Braves company, his colleagues and the Atlanta fanbase.
Concentrating on the Braves particularly, its difficult to understand whether theyll buck recent patterns under the Anthopoulos routine and take this type of monetary plunge. Anthopoulos has actually shunned long-term deals for the most part, surpassing 2 years in simply one instance: last years three-year, $40MM deal for lefty Will Smith. Outside of that, hes taken a conservative technique in totally free company– even as it comes to big-name targets.
As Anthopoulos mentioned, groups are still unsure whether there will be a permanent designated hitter in the National League. Thats vital with regard to Ozuna, who is restricted to left field and experienced substantial throwing issues throughout his time with the Cardinals due to previous shoulder difficulties. The Braves used Ozuna as their main DH in 2020 and would undoubtedly choose to do so progressing.
Signing Ozuna this winter would require a departure from that stance. While nobody can be particular how this years market will shake out thanks to those profits losses, the expectation is that the leading stars will still be paid. Ozuna needs to relatively command at least a four-year deal– possibly a five-year pact– at a base rate in line with or more most likely exceeding his present $18MM wage.
