The Atlanta Braves have not met expectations this year and are in danger of falling completely out of contention soon. They are nine games out of a wild card spot entering play on Monday.
The Braves may be wise to trade away some pending free agents. They have a few players that could be attractive to contenders. One of those players is Marcell Ozuna.
Ozuna is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. He provides almost nothing defensively and would likely be an everyday designated hitter for any team that acquires him. He is playing on a $16 million club option after signing a four-year, $65 million deal in 2021. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested the Braves trade him to the Cincinnati Reds.
“The Reds desperately need pop in their lineup, specifically from the right side,” wrote Pressnell. “Ozuna would be the team’s everyday DH, which would hurt their lineup flexibility, but as Cincinnati hunts a postseason spot, it wouldn’t be a huge issue if he can bring production. The Reds could add Ozuna for a few lower level prospects. Potentially a deal that sends Adam Serwinowski and Ethan O’Donnell to Atlanta in exchange for half a season of the struggling slugger.”
Ozuna is slashing .238/.367/.380 after starting off the year very strong. He has 11 home runs and could help the Reds secure a postseason berth. The Reds are currently just 2 1/2 games out of a wild card spot in the National League. The Braves are unlikely to re-sign him, so it would be wise to get something in return for him if their season is lost.
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Perhaps a change of scenery could do Ozuna some good. He has a .270/.327/.547 slash line in Cincinnati in 35 games. He has also hit nine home runs at Great American Ball Park in his career.
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