Atlanta Braves have signs of hope with Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna may be one of the biggest question marks of the upcoming season for the Atlanta Braves. He had struggled at the beginning of the 2021 season before missing the rest of the season due to injury and the investigation into his domestic violence arrest. Since he was essentially given time served by the league and is healthy once again, he will be a part of the picture from Opening Day forward.

Ozuna is doing his best to alleviate any of those concerns. He put on a show during the Dominican Winter League finals en route to taking home MVP honors.

Marcell Ozuna showing Atlanta Braves he is ready to go

Ozuna made a difference throughout the series. He had a .333 batting average, belting three homers and driving in eight runs to lead Gigantes del Cibao to the championship. That impressive performance came through during the final game as well as he was 2-3 with a three run homer.

That MVP performance put a cap on what was a strong showing in the DWL. He produced a .317/.389/.519 batting line in his 90 plate appearances, hitting four homers and four doubles. Ozuna also showed a strong eye at the plate, drawing ten walks while striking out just 13 times.

The Braves certainly needed to see that after his mediocre showing in 2021. Ozuna had produced a meager .213/.288/.356 batting line in his 208 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and six doubles. He had started to heat up in the two weeks prior to being injured, but never returned to the lineup.

If healthy, he can be one of the pieces the Braves need, an impact bat in the middle of their lineup. Given the uncertainty in their outfield, and the possibility that Freddie Freeman could end up elsewhere, Ozuna could be a major part of their lineup as they hope to repeat in 2022. Seeing his success in the DWL has to be encouraging.

Marcell Ozuna could be a key part of the Atlanta Braves lineup. He is showing that he could be exactly what they need with his showing in the Dominican Winter League.