The Atlanta Braves have reportedly signed star outfielder Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $18 million contract, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Atlanta was in the market for a big bat to add to its lineup after losing All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Minnesota Twins. Now the Braves have found it, adding an excellent bat to the lineup on a short-term deal.
Ozuna is coming off a successful 2019 season with the St. Louis Cardinals. A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old hit 29 home runs with 89 RBI and a .800 OPS last season. He erupted in the postseason with a .954 OPS, two home runs and four doubles in 37 at-bats.
The move allows Atlanta to push Johan Camargo back to third base. Camargo will likely compete with Austin Riley in spring training for the Braves’ third base job. However, the Braves will likely give Camargo the edge so Riley can develop more in the minors.
If Ozuna can deliver a repeat performance in 2020, or even top the numbers as long as he stays healthy, he will be in an excellent position to cash in next offseason.