Rangers Tabbed 'Best Fit' for Braves' Struggling DH
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Both the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves have not had the seasons they'd hoped for.
Each organization has won a World Series in the last four years, and both had high expectations headed into the season.
The Rangers entered Wednesday 1 1/2 games out of a postseason spot, while the Braves entered 10 1/2 games out.
Atlanta will be trading a few players at the trade deadline and Texas has been labeled as the best fit for one of those players.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park on April 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park on April 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Matthew Grimes Jr./ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan has labeled the Rangers as the "best fit" for Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
"Rangers GM Chris Young is perpetually in win-now mode and needs to be convinced to offload players," Passan wrote.
"The team's recent hot streak is the sort of thing that could embolden him to go after a bat like Ozuna, who, with Drake Baldwin's emergence in Atlanta, no longer has a regular spot in the lineup and, with free agency beckoning, probably will waive his no-trade clause in search of everyday at-bats, whether it's with Texas or elsewhere."
Despite a down season that has seen his average dip to .235, Ozuna could be a shot in the arm and boost of energy for the Rangers offense that ranks bottom five in nearly every offensive category and is trying to track down the Astros and Mariners.
The one tricky aspect of an Ozuna trade, though, is that he has 10-five rights, meaning he could veto any trade that he wants to.
If he is willing to accept a trade to the Rangers, they would be in good shape to get back to the postseason for the second time in the last three seasons.
More MLB: MLB Insider Lists Braves Slugger As Best Designated Hitter On Market
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