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Well, the big news of the Braves offseason came to pass the day before yesterday as they successfully brought back Marcell Ozuna on a four year deal with an option for a fifth year. With that decision came lots of reactions, explanations, and thoughts about what this means going into spring training. Below, you will find some of those very things.
Braves News
The Braves absolutely needed to re-sign Marcell Ozuna
One of the big takeaways from the Ozuna signing is that it was the one move left this offseason that absolutely had to happen for the Braves. Demetrius talks about the state of the National League in 2021 and what it means for the Braves’ contention chances now that they brought him back.
Alex Anthopoulos discusses Marcell Ozuna signing, outlook for 2021 season
As always, after a big move, general manager Alex Anthopoulos comes out of hiding to help explain/sell the move although there was a lot more explaining than selling for this one. We wrote up some of both AA’s and Ozuna’s reactions to getting the signing done as well as embedding the Zoom call so that you can watch the whole thing if you missed it.
No one should be happier about Marcell Ozuna’s return than Freddie Freeman
With the lineup looking a bit sketchy and top heavy without his services, Ozuna’s continued presence in the lineup makes things a lot easier for a lot of people in 2021 and beyond. Cory McCartney examines how Freddie Freeman, in the short and long term, may end up being happier than anyone.
Now what? Rounding out the Braves’ 2021 roster
We are never content here at Talking Chop...so now we want to know whats next. Fortunately, we have the great Ivan to walk us through what is left for the Braves to address this offseason and during Spring Training. As a general rule, if Ivan writes something...you should read it.
MLB News
Rangers, Athletics agree to deal involving Elvis Andrus, Khris Davis
In non-Braves related news (well sorta anyways), the Rangers and Athletics paired up on a deal that sent Khris Davis and prospects to Texas while Oakland going former Braves prospect Elvis Andrus to Oakland.