Braves predicted to sign $11.5M low-risk, versatile veteran slugger to replace Marcell Ozuna

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to sign $11.5M low-risk, versatile veteran slugger to replace Marcell Ozuna image

The Atlanta Braves spent last season attempting to trade several players at the deadline, as the season was essentially over for them. However, one player wouldn’t budge: Marcell Ozuna, who vetoed three trades.

“It’s possible that while Anthopoulos was discussing trades, he couldn’t agree on a deal that Ozuna’s agent could also sign off on. Just because Ozuna is leaving the deadline out of his hands doesn’t mean the 10-5 rights go out the window. He could have simply handed over those rights to his agent for the discussions,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote.

Now, with the offseason approaching, Ozuna is a free agent. The Braves must decide whether to let him walk or bring him back. The bad news for Ozuna is that he’s only getting older.

“The problem Ozuna faces now is that he has only gotten older, his performance last season was subpar at best, and the teams that were previously considered to be landing spots for him feel unlikely to pursue him this offseason, especially with how more and more organizations are treating the DH position,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.

A possible replacement for him in free agency is Ryan O’Hearn, who just finished the season with the Baltimore Orioles.

“Since Matt Olson is the permanent first baseman, O'Hearn would be a designated hitter. He could potentially fill in the outfield, though that position has its share of options as well. According to Spotrac, his contract value is set at $11.5 million with a length of two years. Since he recently turned 32, it's a realistic contract that the Braves could give out,” Smajovits wrote.

This would be a low-risk pickup, as the contract would be more team-friendly. O’Hearn isn’t the power bat Ozuna is, but he could bring versatility to the Braves’ lineup.

Ozuna’s departure will be a sad moment for Braves fans, but all good things must come to an end.

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