Braves insider notes "Ronald Acuna Jr. may need some time in DH," urging team to trade Jorge Soler over Marcell Ozuna to remove $16,000,000 payroll
The Atlanta Braves may have a unique problem next year when Ronald Acuna Jr. returns. It may be some time before he's able to play the field well if he ever gets back after tearing his ACL for a second time. The DH spot is currently tied up by Marcell Ozuna, one of the worst defenders (-27 DRS) in baseball. Jorge Soler is also a poor defender, giving the team three players who may need time at DH.
Braves insider Jake Mastroianni believes the team may need to consider trading Soler or Ozuna, urging them to consider the former.
"Can you carry, should you carry both Jorge Soler and Marcell Ozuna on the same roster? Two guys that are obvious DH's ... At the very least, Marcell Ozuna at the plate to give you value ... Soler does not need to be out there," Mastroianni said (13:11–19:44).
But that is only two-thirds of the potential problem. Deciding between Ozuna and Soler is one thing, but providing room for a recovering Acuna, not to mention the $32 million ($16 million each) tied up in the two DH-only players, is another.
"Going forward, Acuna may need some time in that DH spot. So you've got three guys really that need some time in that DH spot," Mastroianni said.
Mastroianni noted that the Braves likely felt that adding Sean Murphy was going to play DH sometimes and send Ozuna elsewhere, but it hasn't happened yet. It's been tricky for the Braves and the DH position, and that may not change soon unless someone is traded. Mastroianni thinks it should be Soler.
Mastroianni observed that the Braves likely believed adding Sean Murphy would allow him to play designated hitter at times and move Ozuna elsewhere. However, that hasn't occurred yet. The situation with the Braves and the designated hitter position has been complicated, and it may not improve soon unless a player is traded. Mastroianni believes that player should be Soler.
When will Ronald Acuna Jr. be back from injury?
Ronald Acuna Jr. tore his ACL, which is one of the most debilitating injuries a baseball player can sustain. It's the second time for the 2023 NL MVP. His status for Opening Day is uncertain.
The good thing is Acuna didn't go down late in the season. Opening Day is not likely, but it's not impossible. He went down in June, and his estimated recovery period is 10 months. That puts him returning in April, though May makes more sense.
Depending on the DH spot, Acuna Jr. may be back earlier to strictly hit, but he may not be in the field again for a longer period of time.