.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
The Cleveland Guardians had a great comeback season this past year, going from a dozen games out of first place in the division to winning it right at the final possible moment. They then lost in the ALDS to the Detroit Tigers, but they learned their team can be a serious contender with a few adjustments.
One of those adjustments is upgrading their offense, which needs more power. Fansided’s Chris Landers believes the Guards can find more power by signing Atlanta Braves All-Star and Silver Slugger, Marcell Ozuna.
“Last season was complicated for Marcell Ozuna. The Atlanta Braves attempted to carve out at-bats for Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin, subsequently leaving Ozuna on the pine more often than he's used to. The value in league circles for a mid-30s DH is typically muted, but Ozuna — despite his relative struggles — is still a damn good hitter…This Cleveland Guardians team desperately needs more pop in the heart of the lineup. Kyle Manzardo made a strong first impression as a rookie. Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana are coming behind him as top prospects who can rip it. But even if it's a one-year deal, Ozuna has the goods to protect José Ramírez in the heart of the order and pop a few more dingers than Cleveland fans are used to,” Landers wrote.
This past season, Ozuna slashed .232/.355/.400/.756 with 19 doubles, 21 home runs, and 68 RBI in 145 games. The year before, Ozuna was fourth place for MVP, showing that he has no intention of slowing down.
In a lineup with Jose Ramirez, Kyle Manzardo, and prospects that hit for power, Ozuna could be the final piece in creating a monster offense. They could move Manzardo to first base, and give Ozuna the role of DH. Plus, Cleveland could offer him a one-year deal with options and not have to commit long-term.
If the Guardians are smart, they’ll pursue this. Ramirez is getting older as well, so his window is closing for a championship. Time for Cleveland to help him out, one last time.
MORE MLB NEWS
English (US)