Cincinnati Reds: Five free agent outfielders to pursue this offseason

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ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 07: Marcell Ozuna #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in game four of the National League Division Series at Busch Stadium on October 07, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images) /

1. Marcell Ozuna

Topping the list among free agent outfielders should be Marcell Ozuna. The St. Louis Cardinals left fielder was previously a member of the Miami Marlins, but has spent the past two seasons locking down an outfield spot in the shadow of the St. Louis Arch. Ozuna is likely to cash in this offseason, as he and Nicholas Castellanos may be the best outfielders on the market.

Ozuna’s batting average dipped to career-low in 2019, but his power was ever-present. The 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic slashed .241/.328/.427 with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs. Though his batting average dipped last season, his slugging percentage and OPS were marked the best numbers he’d seen since his All-Star season in 2017 with Miami.

Ozuna is not a terrific defender, but neither is Jesse Winker or Phillip Ervin. Ozuna was, however, responsible for 2 defensive runs saved in 2019. Winker had a negative number in that area, while Ervin earned 3 DRS in right field and 6 DFS overall in 2019.

A two-time All-Star and owner of four consecutive seasons of 20-plus homers, Ozuna would definitely bring a strong presence to middle of the Reds batting order. With Eugenio Suárez, and perhaps Aristides Aquino, as the only current sources of power in the Reds lineup, adding Ozuna’s bat would add some protection for the middle of the lineup.

Ozuna will be looking for a multi-year deal, and if the Cardinals decide to extend a qualifying offer to him, a draft pick would be required as well. I’d be hesitant to sign Ozuna based on the past two seasons that saw a decrease in production from 2017. That said, Ozuna could easily pulverize 30-plus homers a season in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

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