Braves Report: Marcell Ozuna to play in the Dominican Winter League

After agreeing to a diversion program that would see his charges dropped upon completion, it looks like Marcell Ozuna is getting back to baseball:

https://twitter.com/hgomez27/status/1460678674286616584?s=10

Marcell Ozuna has not appeared for the Braves since late May after breaking his thumb, and he missed the remainder of the season after his domestic violence incident. Ozuna still faces suspension from Major League Baseball, even if his charges are dismissed in January. The Braves have Ozuna under contract for three more seasons, with a buyout in 2025. And as we’ve discussed before, there’s virtually no way the Braves will be able to get out from under the contract.

Unless something crazy is revealed, Atlanta will have to pay Ozuna at one point or another. It’s unclear if Ozuna will ever play for the Braves again. I still think Alex Anthopoulos will attempt to do everything in his power to try and move his contract, even if it means throwing in a couple of prospects in a trade, but it appears he’s preparing to play somewhere in 2022.