In the midst of all the free agent signings on Monday, we finally got word on MLB’s response to Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna’s domestic violence situation.
This certainly is not the news Atlanta Braves fans have been hoping for, but it sounds like we finally have some closure on the Marcell Ozuna situation.
It was reported by David O’Brien of The Athletic that MLB has concluded its investigation into the domestic violence case against Marcell Ozuna.
The MLB did not drop the hammer on Ozuzna as many — like myself — thought they would. Instead, they’ve given him a 20-game retroactive suspension, which he’s already served while he was on administrative leave from Sept. 10 through the end of the regular season.
MLB announces discipline for Marcell Ozuna: pic.twitter.com/ynMh3ZVape
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 29, 2021
That means … Marcell Ozuna is eligible to play for the Atlanta Braves immediately.
Here is the statement from the Braves:
Regarding Ozuna, this from #Braves: pic.twitter.com/LiEPD5R0jN
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 29, 2021
We’ve certainly seen other players who violated the league’s rule be suspended for much longer, so the league’s investigation must have included that the violence Ozuna committed wasn’t as harsh as others.
That’s somewhat of a sarcastic statement. Violence is violence and I can’t understand how you suspend one player for 60 games, another for an entire season, and then just give Ozuna 20 games.
Apparently Ozuna also entered a diversion program that if completed would result in the charges being dropped.
Ozuna was suspended by MLB after it concluded its investigation into his May 29 arrest on domestic-violence charges. He entered a diversion program in September and could have the charges dropped within 3-6 months of that date if he completes all requirements of the program.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 29, 2021
But that was the league’s decision and now we’ll see how the Braves handle the matter.
Ozuna is set to make $16 million in 2022, $18 million in 2023, and $18 million in 2024 with a $1 million buyout or $16 million team option in 2025.
If the Braves simply cut him they’d have to pay him $53 million to walk away — I don’t see that happening.
Maybe they can try to trade him along with a prospect for another bad contract and then let another team dump him. But that seems unlikely as well.
Unfortunately, it seems like the Braves are somewhat stuck with Ozuzna at this point and will have to play him.
He is currently playing in the Dominican Winter League and is slashing .294/.351/.500 with a .851 OPS and 2 home runs in 9 games.
At the very least, the Braves now have some clarity on the situation and know what they have on the books going forward.