ATLANTA (AP) – Marcell Ozuna returns to Atlanta, with or without the designated hitter.
The Braves claimed Ozuna’s power bat for the middle of their lineup Friday night by signing the slugger to a four-year, $ 65 million deal.
The Braves announced the deal for the 2020 National League home run and RBI leader less than two weeks before pitchers and receivers report for spring training. The deal includes a $ 16 million fifth-year club option with a $ 1 million purchase.
The Braves made the biggest commitment to Ozuna despite having no guarantees that there will be a designated hitter in the National League in 2021. He thrived on the role in 2020, helping the Braves win the National League East and be one win from advancing to the World Series. The Braves lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series after leading the series 3-1.
Ozuna’s value to the team, at the clubhouse and as lineup protection for 2020 National League MVP Freddie Freeman, was crucial to the team’s hopes of winning a fourth consecutive National League East title. and do another run for the World Series.
Ozuna, who has played with three teams over the past four seasons, said he was happy to settle in Atlanta.
“Since I was a child I dreamed of this day,” he wrote on his Instagram account. “The day I could call a place home. Through ups and downs I have kept my faith right now. Today I can officially say that I am back! »
The deal got immediate approval from Freeman, who posted on his Twitter account, “I love this! Let’s go!”
Ozuna, 30, signed a one-year, $ 18 million free agent contract with Atlanta last year, then put together his best offensive season during the pandemic-shortened season. He hit .338 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs, narrowly missing a Triple Crown. He started all 60 games, posting a career-best 1,067 OPS, and finished sixth in the National League MVP vote.
“It’s a year we’ll never forget, but now it’s 162!” Ozua wrote. “It’s about winning !!”
Ozuna revitalized the Braves with his various celebrations, which included turning his hands “mixing it up” after big punches and taking a “selfie” of himself circling the bases after a home run in the NL wild card series.
“My power came because I’m healthy,” he said after the season. “I just came ready and give the best to my teammates and let’s play.”
Ozuna was respected and loved by his teammates, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies.
“I’m a guy who has been in the Major Leagues for a couple of years and they respect me a lot and I respect them,” Ozuna said. “We have respect together. We are successful. It is not because they are Latino. It is because they are my companions ”.
Ozuna would open the season as Atlanta’s projected starter in left field if the designated hitter is not reinstated.
The National League adopted the designated hitter last year as part of baseball’s health and safety protocols for playing during the pandemic. Ozuna made 39 starts as Atlanta’s top designated hitter.
Major League Baseball proposed to renew the universal designee in talks with the players’ association last week, but the union rejected the proposal, which would also have delayed the start of the regular season and expanded the postseason field. It is still possible for the parties to agree to restore the DH this year, or during negotiations for a new collective agreement after this season.
With Ozuna locked up, Atlanta will return essentially the same lineup that finished second in the majors with 348 runs last year, one behind World Series champions the Dodgers. The Braves have also joined the rotation by signing veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly.
Smyly, a left-hander, signed a one-year, $ 11 million deal. Morton, a right-hander, signed for a year for $ 15 million.
