Marcell Ozuna's time with the Atlanta Braves has been a rollercoaster ride. From a surprise run at the Triple Crown to off-field issues to underperformance and redemption. Fans have felt all of the emotions during his time with the organization.
He's worked very hard to earn everyone's trust back and has now become a very well-liked player. Ozuna has been integral to helping a few of his teammates get themselves out of slumps. Because of this, Ozuna became a very important leader in the Braves' clubhouse.
However, his time in Atlanta may be coming to an end soon. He's in the final year of his four-year, $65 million deal. The $16 million he received each season could go to Ha-Seong Kim instead. Shortstop is one of the biggest needs this offseason, outside of pitching, and moving Ozuna's money over to try and hang on to Kim makes a lot of sense at the moment.
The Braves could consider bringing Ozuna back, but that money surely needs to be allocated elsewhere. Our prediction is that he will not return after this season for a few reasons with their pursuit of a reunion with Kim being just the tip of the iceberg.
Expect Marcell Ozuna to leave the Braves and head to the AL West
As for the remaining reasons, Ozuna is performing at 2021-2022 levels this season. That decline in production isn't very promising or worthy of another long-term contract. The final reason is that the Braves could find a designated hitter replacement internally.
Fans will likely want to see the Braves bring in Kyle Schwarber to fill the role, but there's a very low chance that ever happens. Jurickson Profar or Sean Murphy could easily slot into the DH role if Atlanta moves on from Ozuna.
There are a couple of teams that feel like an obvious fit for him. Those teams are the Rangers and Mariners. Texas has Joc Pederson filling that role currently on a two-year, $37 million deal. That contract does have an opt-out after 2025, but with how poorly he has performed, that doesn't seem likely. If he were to opt out for some reason, the Rangers could scoop up Ozuna to fill the role.
The most likely team to sign Ozuna is the Mariners. It just feels like a good fit for him. Reuniting with former Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer feels like a match made in heaven to help Ozuna return to form.