The Atlanta Braves announced they re-signed outfielder Marcell Ozuna to a four-year, $64 million contract that includes a club option for a fifth year at $16 million, along with a $1 million buyout.
Ozuna was one of the best free agents on the market this winter and was linked to a number of clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman made it clear at the beginning of the offseason that the team was looking to add a right-handed bat. Although Justin Turner remained the favorite to fill that role, signing Ozuna was also a possibility.
With there likely being no universal designated hitter in 2021 though, the Dodgers ultimately didn’t have a need for Ozuna, who can play some left field but otherwise is best suited as a DH.
The Braves are coming off a strong season in 2020, winning the National League East and advancing to the NL Championship Series before falling to the Dodgers in seven games. Atlanta held a 3-1 lead in that series before dropping three straight to L.A., who of course went on to win the World Series.
Ozuna had a career year in Atlanta, hitting .338/.431/.636 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI. He also had a solid NLCS against the Dodgers, batting .276/.323/.552 with two home runs and six RBI in the series.
Ozuna signed a one-year deal last offseason, betting on himself, and now cashes in one a quality four-year contract with a team he felt comfortable with and that will be competing for years to come.
Dodgers sign Bauer
As far as the Dodgers go, they made the splash of the offseason by agreeing to a contract with reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer.
With L.A. and Atlanta each making a noteworthy signing, it will be interesting to see if these two teams meet in the NLCS once again. Bauer faced the Braves as a member of the Cincinnati Reds during the 2020 postseason and tossed a gem, allowing just two hits and no runs with 12 strikeouts in 7.2 innings.
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