Braves predicted to lose 40 home run slugger to strange AL team that doesn’t fit his play style

Jon Conahan

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Braves predicted to lose 40 home run slugger to strange AL team that doesn’t fit his play style image

The Cleveland Guardians have remained quiet for much of the offseason, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

However, some believe the Guardians can still go out and make a big move.

Christopher Kline of FanSided recently projected that Atlanta Braves free agent Marcell Ozuna would land in Cleveland on a short-term deal, giving the Guardians a much-needed power bat, but something they haven’t had in a long-time.

“The Cleveland Guardians have largely ignored free agency so far, undoubtedly to the chagrin of José Ramírez,” Kline wrote. 

“Stephen Vogt understands how to muck up a game and win on technique and strategy, but the Guardians don't stand a chance in October without material improvements to the lineup. Marcell Ozuna would be a smart one-year signing. He can still deliver 25-plus homers in his sleep, assuming health. If Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana and other top prospects pop off, suddenly Cleveland has real juice.”

Throughout much of the past decade, Cleveland has been a team that wants to put the ball in play and make things happen. Ozuna is more of a boom or bust guy, but there’s value in that, too.

Even at this stage of his career, his power is legit, and a short-term contract would limit long-term risk while helping the team win now.

Pairing Ozuna with a wave of young talent could reshape the lineup quickly, especially with the mounting questions it has right now. With some prospects coming up and already here, as well as Jose Ramirez, that lineup would be decent.

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Staff Writer