The Atlanta Braves have been focused on locking in their roster for the 2022 season, extending Travis d’Arnaud and Charlie Morton. They may get clarity on another part of their future in the near future as well.
On Thursday, outfielder Marcell Ozuna entered a plea agreement in his domestic violence case. As long as he completes his supervisory program, the charges against him will be dropped.
BREAKING: Marcell Ozuna enters a plea agreement that will terminate his charges after a six month supervision program. Story to follow on @SportsTalkATL
— dr. jxke 🧸💎 (@cantguardjake) September 9, 2021
Atlanta Braves 2022 outfield could get clarity
Ozuna will have to complete not just those six months of supervision. He will have to take part in a 24 week family violence intervention program, complete at least 200 hours of community service, have a psychological evaluation, and go through anger management counseling. If he does all of that, his supervision could be reduced to three months.
That will not be the end of the story for Ozuna. Even though he may not face legal ramifications, Major League Baseball has yet to hand down their punishment. While he has been on administrative leave over the past few weeks, that does not take the place of any potential punishment.
Nonetheless, whenever that punishment is handed down, it will give some clarity for the Braves moving forward. They will know when Ozuna will be back, allowing them to determine their outfield plans accordingly. If he is back, healthy, and in the right headspace, he could be the impact bat they need in the lineup.
But that is the question. The details around Ozuna’s arrest, and the assault, were repugnant. Chances are, the league will be handing down a stiff punishment that will extend into the 2022 season. Once that is announced, the Braves can move on with their plans.
Now that Marcell Ozuna has entered a plea agreement, MLB could hand down their punishment soon. The Atlanta Braves 2022 outfield could get some clarity.