The Atlanta Braves are lucky to have one of baseball's most powerful bats in their lineup, and they want to keep it that way.
Atlanta entered Sunday leading the National League Wild Card race and gaining ground on the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.
The Braves have thrived despite suffering massive injuries this season, due in large part to players like Marcell Ozuna who have revved up their production.
Ozuna is having a ridiculous season, batting .300/ .373/ .580 with 32 home runs and 86 RBIs. He's a legitimate NL MVP candidate.
Atlanta knows what they have in Ozuna, and they are intent on keeping him for the long haul. On Sunday, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Braves will be picking up Ozuna's team option following this season.
"Atlanta has no plans to cut ties with MVP candidate Marcell Ozuna after the season and will pick up his $16 million club option," Nightengale said.
"It leaves Atlanta with two DHs with the recent acquisition of Jorge Soler, who hadn’t played a single inning in the field this season but will now play right field."
Braves general manager Alex Anthopolous realizes that Atlanta is stockpiling outfielders, but that's a good thing in his view.
"I think the one thing we’ve seen the last few years is, you’re going to need more than three (outfielders), and injuries are part of it," Anthopoulos said, per Nightengale.
“Every year, we’ve had to acquire bats. … It’s hard to find on-base with power and plus makeup. The fact that Jorge can play right field (is huge) ... Not all corner outfield is viewed the same. A lot of players in baseball can play left field only, because they don’t have arm strength and so on. The fact that Jorge has some arm strength as well makes an option in right."
Atlanta is hoping that Soler and Ozuna can keep the Braves offense afloat as they look to contend for a World Series this fall.
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