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Atlanta Braves: Three fun landing spots for free agent Marcell Ozuna

By Nick Stevens

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)
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) /
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Marcell Ozuna
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Chicago White Sox with Marcell Ozuna in their lineup are a very dangerous team.

What about a switch to the American League? Ozuna has never played for an AL team in his career, but if an AL team comes calling with an offer he can’t refuse and MLB hasn’t announced their plans for the DH in 2021 (leaving NL teams to wait out on hitters like Ozuna), he could find himself making the switch next season.

One AL team to watch for in the Marcell Ozuna sweepstakes is the Chicago White Sox.

With a lineup featuring Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, and Luis Robert, adding Ozuna would be the icing on the cake. The hiring of Tony La Rusa to manage this young and extremely exciting ballclub was an utter disaster of a decision by ownership, but there’s so much talent on Chicago’s roster, it’s hard to envision this team letting any off the field or managerial distractions bother them.

The AL Central is there for the taking for Chicago, with Cleveland ready to sell off anyone who makes a moderate salary and Detroit and Kansas City still a few years away from contention. The Twins will be a challenge, but if Chicago can enter 2021 with another power hitter like Ozuna in their lineup and no room for opposing pitchers to take a quick breath, Chicago becomes a contender for a deep postseason run next year.

The Mets could another fit, but with a productive outfield already in place and Steve Cohen seemingly more eager to pull off a few trades rather than sign multiple big name free agents, if the Mets do sign an outfielder, it could end up being George Springer over Ozuna. Texas is another team that’s been thrown out as a possible landing spot, but the Rangers seem content in going with their youth movement and looking towards the future.

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Wherever Marcell Ozuna ends up, he’s going to provide an instant upgrade, even if he has to play a significant amount of time in left field. Hopefully, his market shakes out soon with the Winter Meetings upon us.

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