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The Atlanta Braves never thought they’d be in position to dump their veterans for absolutely nothing, but they may be in it now.
An awful season for the Braves has led to a 12-game deficit in the wild card race entering Monday. Their playoff hopes are completely cooked, but they also couldn’t find any takers for their expiring contracts at the trade deadline.
At the end of August, teams out of the race have the option to put their players on waivers for contending teams to claim, contract and all. And the Braves have a three-time All-Star that could easily be of interest to certain contenders.
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Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna hasn’t quite been his usual self this season, but his power has rebounded in August, as he hit four home runs in Atlanta’s four-game series against the Miami Marlins over the weekend.
On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller named Ozuna as a candidate to be placed on waivers and picked up by a contender by the Aug. 31 deadline.
“If Saturday night was any indication — Ozuna hitting two home runs off Sandy Alcantara … there are bound to be some teams who would be thrilled to pay what’s left of (his $16 million salary) to get (him) on the roster for the stretch run,” wrote Miller.
“Ozuna hasn’t homered at the same rate as he did over the past two seasons, but he clearly can still mash and he’s getting on base at one of the best clips in the majors.”
The overall season numbers are starting to look mighty respectable for the 34-year-old Ozuna: .369 on-base percentage, 19 home runs, .796 OPS. Yes, he’s a DH only, but there might be a team desperate for offense who would eat the remaining $5 million on his deal.
Would Ozuna be pleased about the chance to join a pennant chase? He might be able to find his way out of Atlanta if he voices that desire.
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