Marcell Ozuna released, should the Braves show interest?

Both players are designated hitters who have no business seeing the field, and neither is having the best of seasons, which is why they find themselves on the open market. Ozuna is barely hitting over the Mendoza Line, and the pop in his bat seems to have severely diminished — just eight homers on the season. Soler might never lose his power, but he’s also struggled to stay above the Mendoza Line this year.

It’s probably best if the Braves had a short memory with these types of situations, but we know that’s not the case. Alex Anthopoulos loves a good reunion, and the need for another slugging right-handed bat exists, even after acquiring Lane Thomas at the deadline.

If the Braves had a roster chock-full of deserving players with clearly defined roles, this article wouldn’t need to be written. But it’s fair to question what exactly Ha-Seong Kim brings to the table beyond the fact that he’s getting paid a lot of money.

Both Anthopoulos and Walt Weiss have said Jim Jarvis will remain the primary shortstop, with Mauricio Dubon filling in against left-handed pitching. There doesn’t seem to be a plan to give Kim many opportunities, and he offers next to nothing off the bench. He’s not fast, he’s unlikely to change a game with one swing, and his defense at shortstop has been putrid this season.

If Kim isn’t going to start games, the Braves are essentially wasting a roster spot because they can’t accept that they paid him way too much money in the offseason. In that case, I’d much rather take a flier on a power bat that might perform a little better in a place where he has some fond memories.