5 Atlanta Braves who must step up in the 2023 season

Feb 27, 2023; North Port, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Orlando Arcia (11) on base against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2023; North Port, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Orlando Arcia (11) on base against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna
Aug 10, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) hits a three run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3. Marcell Ozuna

This isn’t to debate whether or not Ozuna should still be on Atlanta’s roster or whether or not the team made the right decision allowing the outfielder to return but dealing with the reality that Ozuna will be a contributor in 2023.

Marcell started out as a much-needed power source hitting 18 homers and batting .338 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Ozuna followed this up by hitting .213 and .226 over the past two seasons hitting thirty homers in the two years combined.

If Ozuna can get anywhere close to the level he played in the 2020 season or in his seasons with the Cardinals the Braves lineup has an argument as the best in the league.

Marcell is here for one simple reason, to hit the ball a long way and drive in base runners. His defense has regressed throughout his career and left Ozuna as a below-average left fielder. The Braves are going to give the outfielder consistent chances to attempt to find the form he showed during the 2020 season.

If Ozuna can return to this level or even be the productive hitter he was with the Marlins and Cardinals the Braves lineup alone could carry them on another World Series run.