"A big fly for the big bear!" has become an iconic call that Braves fans have grown acustom to hearing from Brandon Gaudin in 2024. Marcell Ozuna currently ranks 4th in all of Major League Baseball in homers at 26. Showing off such power has earned him a spot in the T Mobile Home Run Derby which will take place on Monday, July 15th.
Home Run Derby prep 🐻#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/8u5i7xNStb
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 13, 2024
In a season where the Braves offense has struggled as a whole, Marcell Ozuna has remained the one consistent piece in the lineup. Like all big league players, Ozuna recently went through a rough patch. The reasoning behind this slump makes us wonder if he should participate in this year's Home Run Derby.
How does the Home Run Derby effect participants?
Marcell Ozuna seems to always have a smile on his face. He brings a type of energy and presence to the Braves clubhouse that you cannot teach. This kind of personality usually meshes well with a big stage and bright lights. The combination of hitting baseballs a long ways and just being himself will provide baseball fans across the world with quality entertainment.
Ozuna also has a chance to take down a division rival in Pete Alonso. Although Alonso seems to be the favorite to win the contest every year, the new format could give Ozuna a better chance to claim the trophy. In years past, the long swing of Ozuna would pentalize him as rounds were timed and he would eventually wear down. Now, at the end of 3 minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first), hitters will continue to hit until three batted balls do not leave the ballpark.
Currently 7.5 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves need their offense to be at its full potential. There is a slight chance that Marcell Ozuna participating in the Home Run Derby causes negative consequences.
Obviously to be successful in the Home Run Derby, Ozuna will have to try and lift the ball over the wall. As David O'Brien reported earlier this year, this was the reason that Ozuna fell into a slump. Now that he has regained his approach and playing well, it may not be the best idea for Marcell Ozuna to join the Home Run Derby field.
#Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna recently tried swinging for the fences -- he wanted to hit 30 homers before the break -- and slumped as a result. Now he's back to his regular approach, and has homers in consecutive games against the Phillieshttps://t.co/RfvV3E2vJt
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 7, 2024
While we know the entire Braves offense has potential to be much better, Marcell Ozuna has served as a safety net so to speak in 2024. All others have had their ups and downs but for the most part Ozuna has continued to perform. If he were to hit another slump to start the second half of the season, it could cause the Braves offense as a whole to relapse.