Jon Heyman of the MLB Network dropped some news today that should be viewed positively by Braves Country. Apparently, the newly signed Marcell Ozuna was just as interested in a one-year, prove-it contract as Atlanta was.
Marcell Ozuna had 3- and 4-year offers (obvs at lower AAVs) but decided to bet on himself with the higher salary and proven playoff team/lineup in Atlanta
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 23, 2020
At least 1 of the multiyear offers for Ozuna came from the Reds, who are said to have made a spirited try for MO before he opted for Atlanta
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 23, 2020
Cincinnati is hopeful to reach contention this year behind a steady starting rotation, but their lack of a proven track record probably deterred Ozuna from signing with them, and we don’t know where the other offers might have come from. However, the fact that he had suitors willing to take care of him until his age 33-34 season and still chose to sign a one-year deal with Atlanta says a lot.
Ozuna is coming off back-to-back sub-par seasons (for his standards) after being an All-Star in his final two years with the Marlins. Betting on himself is the sign of a confident player that genuinely believes his best days are ahead of him. It also says something about the Braves, who have already been through this situation once (last year with Josh Donaldson) and helped The Bringer of Rain receive the payday he’s always dreamed about. It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is pegged to be one of the favorites in the National League either, which I’m sure played a substantial role in Ozuna’s decision.
Originally, when I saw this deal, it sounded like the market must have been way softer than predicted for Ozuna. But based on this news, it’s looking a lot more like he was fond of Atlanta and believes he can have a breakout year in his return to the NL East. That should have Braves fans giddy with excitement as we inch towards pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training.
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