Will the Atlanta Braves end up hanging on to some of its top talent this winter?
Atlanta will have a decision to make about superstar slugger Marcell Ozuna. The Braves have a team option on Ozuna for the 2025 campaign and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand thinks the club will end up picking it up.
"Marcell Ozuna, DH, Braves," Feinsand said. "Remaining contract: 1 year, $16 million ($1 million buyout). Ozuna is completing the four-year, $65 million deal he signed in February 2021, and after pacing Atlanta’s offense in virtually every category this season, it would be a surprise if the Braves didn’t trigger the option to keep the slugger."
Ozuna has been everything the Braves could've hoped for this year. The Braves have struggled with injuries and yet they still could end up landing a playoff spot. One of the biggest reasons why has been Ozuna's success in the middle of the lineup.
The three-time All-Star has been among the top players in baseball this season and is slashing .308/.380/.591 with 37 home runs and 94 RBIs. He is in the mix for a Triple Crown in the National League right now and is leading the league in batting average and RBIs.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani currently is leading the National League with 39 home runs. If Ozuna can catch up to Ohtani in home runs and maintain the RBI and batting average lead, there's a real chance that he could take home the Most Valuable Player Award.
It's a no-brainer to keep him in Atlanta.
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