Atlanta Braves set up for present and future with Marcell Ozuna

The Atlanta Braves had made no secret of their desire to bring Marcell Ozuna back into the fold. Another one year signing at high dollars over the past offseason, Ozuna gave the Braves the power bat they were hoping for in the middle of their lineup. However, due to the uncertainty around the universal designated hitter, his return to Atlanta was not a given.

Those questions about the DH became irrelevant on Friday. The Braves brought Ozuna back, signing him to a four year deal worth $65 million with an option for a fifth year.

Atlanta Braves set for present and future with Marcell Ozuna

Ozuna was everything the Braves had hoped for in 2020. He produced a career best .338/.431/.636 batting line, leading the National League with 18 homers and 56 RBI. As he just turned 30 years old, the Braves will control him through his hypothetical prime.

This signing helps solidify the Braves outfield, at least for this year. Ronald Acuna and Ender Inciarte are likely to be starting in center and right, but there was a gaping hole in left. Although he does not have the best defensive reputation, Ozuna has saved 18 runs defensively in left field, including two runs saved last year.

However, that will not be his long term place on the roster. In locking Ozuna up with a four year deal, the Braves have also kept an eye to the future when the inevitability of the universal DH becomes reality. While other teams may struggle to find someone to fill that role, the Braves will be set.

Likewise, this move helps the Braves in their quest to remain atop the NL East. While the Mets may not have landed Trevor Bauer, they have still improved their roster this offseason. The Nationals are looking to return to prominence, and the Marlins surprised everyone last year. Atlanta needs any help they can get.

Bringing back Marcell Ozuna is a step in that direction for the Atlanta Braves as they keep an eye on the present and the future.