On February 5, 2021, the Atlanta Braves secured a significant free agent signing by bringing back Marcell Ozuna, a familiar face, for a four-year, $64 million deal with a fifth-year club option in 2025. This move followed Ozuna’s impactful performance during the 2020 season, where he excelled with a .338/.431/.636 slash line, leading the National League in home runs (18) and RBI (56). This success earned him a Silver Slugger and a sixth-place finish in MVP voting, establishing him as a sought-after free agent.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Ozuna’s return, his 2021 season saw him playing in only 48 games, posting a .213/.288/.356 slash line with seven home runs and 26 RBI. His performance in 2022 continued to be challenging, recording a .226/.274/.413 slash line with 23 home runs, 56 RBI, and two stolen bases across 124 games.
However, Ozuna’s fortunes turned around in 2023, marking his best season under the current deal. In 144 games, the 33-year-old veteran achieved a .274/.346/.558 slash line, hitting 40 home runs, accumulating 100 RBI, and boasting a .905 OPS, contributing to a 3.3 bWAR.
As the Braves enter the fourth year of Ozuna’s contract in 2024, he is expected to play a crucial role as the designated hitter in the team’s everyday lineup. Whether the Braves exercise the fifth-year option depends on Ozuna’s performance during the upcoming season.