ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 15: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 15, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Marcell Ozuna is proving his value with a huge day in Game 5 of the NLCS
The Atlanta Braves decided to take a chance on Marcell Ozuna this past offseason. He received a one-year deal worth $18 million after other teams seemingly balked on giving the slugger a multi-year deal.
Every team’s goal should be to sign players who will help compete for a World Series and Ozuna is doing that Thursday night in Game 5 of the NLCS.
Marcell Ozuna reminding other MLB teams of his value in a contract year
Ozuna entered Thursday night with one home run and six RBIs so far this postseason. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers may have forgotten about his potential as the outfielder went off with two home runs and a double. Both home runs went well over 400 feet too.
Ozuna was putting up big numbers during the regular season, so this is not a major shock. But this is coming on a bigger stage and opposing MLB front offices may now be wondering why they did not take a chance on the veteran. They will now get another shot this winter.
His entire 2020 season up to this point has Ozuna in a great position to earn the multi-year deal he desires in 2021. Teams like the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, who have plenty of cash and outfield needs, could be quick to call Ozuna following the season.
The Cubs do have Jason Heyward in the outfield on a lucrative contract and Kyle Schwarber is about to hit his third year of arbitration. But if the National League adopts a permanent DH, Schwarber could find his permanent role there.
The Red Sox have more flexibility after moving Mookie Betts this past year. Ozuna can also slide in at DH in Boston for a team that underwent a mini rebuild in 2020.
The Washington Nationals could even slide into the sweepstakes and try to form a super outfield with Juan Soto as the rising young star. That team will want to make another run for it after a disappointing title defense in 2020.
And don’t forget about the Braves. This current lineup is stacked and they may want to run it back, especially if the season doesn’t end with a World Series title.