(Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
By Anthony Payero
(ATLANTA) After a successful 2020 season with the Atlanta Braves, Marcell Ozuna secured a four-year, $64 million contract to return to the club and call Atlanta home, according to ESPN.
The Braves announced the signing of the 2020 National League (NL) home run and RBI leader on Friday, just two weeks before pitchers and catchers plan on reporting for spring training. The contract features a fifth-year club option for $16 million that would increase the deal to $80 million with a $1 million buyout, securing $65 million in guaranteed money for the outfielder.
The Braves committed to the two-time All-Star despite no word of the NL bringing back the designated hitter (DH) used in the abbreviated 60-game 2020 season. He excelled as DH for the Braves, helping the team get to the top of the NL East and fall short by one game of a trip to the World Series.
The Braves were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers after seven games in the NL Championship Series — despite having a 3-1 series lead at one point.
Ozuna has been a journeyman in the league, playing with three teams — Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals and the Braves — in the last four seasons. He was joyous on his latest Instagram post when he shared the news of being able to call "a place home."
"Since I was a kid I would dream about this day,'' he wrote. "The day that I could call a place home. Through ups and downs I've maintained my faith in this moment. Today I can officially say I'M BACK!!''
After eight MLB seasons, Ozuna compiled a .276 batting average with 166 home runs, 594 runs batted in and 505 runs scored.