Marcell Ozuna - team option 2025
A little over a year ago Ozuna could be considered one of the most overpaid players in the league. Atlanta had a valid reason to simply eat the salary and move on from the DH. However, their patience was rewarded down the stretch last season and Ozuna has defied the odds improving in the 2024 season.
Ozuna ranks in the top three in batting average, homers, and RBIs. Oftentimes the Braves offense has simply boiled down to Ozuna putting the team on his back and doing all of the work. It has kept Atlanta afloat and afforded the rest of Atlanta's bats time to figure things out.
Atlanta has a $16-million dollar team option on Ozuna next season. There is little doubt that it is going to be exercised and the thirty-three-year-old will be returning next season. However, there is an argument to be made that Atlanta should look to add to this deal.
Doing something similar to what they did for Chris Sale after trading for the starter. Offer Ozuna a two-year extension that is going to take him into the 2027 season. We have seen throughout league history that this level of hitting can be maintained into your late thirties, this is especially true at the DH position.
Offer Ozuna future stability and give yourself one less question to face heading into the offseason. One that is sure to be defined by Max Fried's decision. Ozuna has more than earned at least one season added on as he continues to be the driving force of this Atlanta offense.
Orlando Arcia - team option 2026
Having the take the Braves should have done more at shortstop this past offseason is an easy corner to take. One that has to endure the consistently horrid AB's that Arcia put up for much of the last two months. Atlanta has Arcia locked up for next season already and a team option the following year.
Despite this, the Braves should consider moving off of Arcia or putting him back in a utility role. Arcia's value to this team was his incredible defense. With the offense healthy and performing as expected you don't need Arcia to be a key piece of the offensive production. Slot him into the bottom of the lineup and any production is a surprise.
Orlando Arcia is too smooth. pic.twitter.com/gpv9xf1nKw
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 5, 2024
However, when you have dealt with the injuries that Atlanta has the lack of production has been glaring. Perhaps only made better by Dansby Swanson's highly paid struggles, it is clear Arcia isn't a long-term answer.
His current extension is team-friendly and works as a starter or utility player. This allows flexibility but no matter how his production fluctuates the past year should be enough for Atlanta to realize this is a short-term arrangement.
One that is accepting the void in the lineup and hoping it is offset by their depth and Arcia's incredible defense. Defense that will keep Arcia in the lineup as Atlanta continues to consider their future at the position.