Detroit Tigers Should Target Marcell Ozuna In Free Agency

As the days left in the Detroit Tigers’ disappointing season start to dwindle, much has been made about what they can do in the offseason to return to form in 2016.

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Many, from pundits, to the fan-base, have debated everything from whether the Tigers should sign Johnny Cueto, to whether or not Yoenis Cespedes or Jason Heyward represents the better free agent signing.

However, on a team that could be haunted by other large, long-term contracts, it is important for the future of the team, that Al Avila, the Tigers’ new GM, start to look at adding young controllable talent, rather than continuing to handcuff the franchise with weighty deals.

One name that Detroit should consider is Marlins’ outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

In the wake of a 2015 season that was just as disappointing as the one in Detroit, Miami’s controversial owner, Jeffrey Loria, is reportedly displeased with Ozuna’s output, and is willing to deal him for pitching help.

Al Avila would be smart to capitalize on that frustration.

Now, Loria’s displeasure is not unwarranted. In 2015, Ozuna has played poorly, at best. In 114 games, the 24 year-old is hitting just .248 with 9 HRs and 40 RBI, to go along with a .298 OBP. However, he is just 24, (two years younger than Heyward) and he is under team control, through his arbitration years, until 2020.

Beyond that, Ozuna’s 2014 season was spectacular. In 153 games he hit .269 with 23 HRs, and 85 RBIs, while posting a 4.4 WAR. And Ozuna wasn’t just a standout at the plate. According to Fangraphs, the Marlins’ center-fielder was the 8th best player at his position, based on defensive WAR. That puts him ahead of players like Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Trout, and Andrew McCutchen.