Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso, affectionately known as “The Big Bear,” has carved a significant career in Major League Baseball (MLB) marked by formidable power hitting, All-Star accolades, and a journey that has weathered both on-field triumphs and off-field controversies. Born on November 12, 1990, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ozuna has established himself as a potent offensive force, currently serving as a designated hitter and occasional outfielder for the Atlanta Braves. His career, which began with the Miami Marlins and included a stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, is a compelling narrative of talent, resilience, and the complexities that can intertwine with athletic stardom.
Early Life and Path to the Majors
Ozuna’s roots in the Dominican Republic laid the foundation for his baseball aspirations. Growing up in a country renowned for producing baseball talent, he honed his skills and caught the attention of major league scouts. His raw power and hitting potential were evident early on, leading to his signing with the Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins) as an international free agent in 2008.
Ozuna steadily rose through the Marlins’ minor league system, showcasing his ability to hit for both average and power. His progress culminated in his Major League debut on April 30, 2013, against the New York Mets. Although he exceeded rookie limits during that season, it was the beginning of a journey that would see him evolve into one of the National League’s premier offensive threats.
Miami Marlins (2013-2017): Establishing a Presence
During his time with the Miami Marlins, Ozuna gradually developed into an everyday player and a key component of their lineup. His athleticism allowed him to play both corner outfield positions, and his bat became increasingly impactful.
2014: Ozuna had a breakout season, playing in 153 games and hitting .269 with 23 home runs and 85 RBIs. His performance earned him recognition as a rising star in the league.
2016 & 2017: These seasons saw Ozuna reach All-Star status for the first time in his career. In 2017, he had an exceptional year, batting .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBIs, earning him both a Gold Glove Award for his defensive prowess in left field and a Silver Slugger Award for his offensive production.
His tenure with the Marlins established Ozuna as a dynamic player capable of influencing the game with his bat and glove.
St. Louis Cardinals (2018-2019): Continued Offensive Production
In December 2017, Ozuna was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was expected to provide a significant offensive boost to a team with postseason aspirations.
2018: Ozuna continued to be a productive hitter, finishing the season with a .280 batting average, 23 home runs, and 88 RBIs.
2019: His second season in St. Louis saw similar offensive numbers, with a .243 average, 29 home runs, and 89 RBIs.
While his batting average dipped slightly in St. Louis compared to his peak in Miami, Ozuna maintained his power output and remained a key run producer.
Atlanta Braves (2020-Present): Resurgence and Controversy
As a free agent after the 2019 season, Ozuna signed with the Atlanta Braves, a move that has been marked by both exceptional offensive performances and significant off-field challenges.
2020: In a pandemic-shortened season, Ozuna had a career year offensively. He led the National League in home runs (18) and RBIs (56) and earned his third All-Star selection and his second Silver Slugger Award. His offensive prowess was a major factor in the Braves’ National League East title. He also earned All-MLB First Team honors.
2021: This year brought a sharp downturn both on and off the field. His offensive production declined significantly, and in May 2021, he was arrested on domestic violence charges. He was placed on administrative leave by MLB and did not play for the remainder of the season. The Braves went on to win the World Series that year, their first title since 1995.
2022: Following the resolution of his legal issues, which included a retroactive 20-game suspension, Ozuna returned to the Braves. However, his performance remained inconsistent, batting .226 with 23 home runs and 46 RBIs in 124 games. He also faced a DUI arrest in August of that year, further complicating his standing with the team and fans.
2023: Ozuna experienced a significant offensive resurgence in the latter part of the 2023 season. From May onwards, he hit 38 home runs and finished the year with 40 home runs and 100 RBIs, becoming a key contributor to the Braves’ offense, which set records for team slugging percentage.
2024: Continuing his strong offensive form, Ozuna played in all 162 games for the Braves, batting .302 with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs. His consistent performance earned him a fourth-place finish in the National League MVP voting and solidified his importance to the team.
2025: The Braves picked up Ozuna’s $16 million club option for the 2025 season, recognizing his continued offensive value. As of early May 2025, he remains a crucial part of their lineup, highlighted by a recent walk-off hit against the Cincinnati Reds on May 6th.
Contract Details
Marcell Ozuna’s current contract with the Atlanta Braves is a four-year, $65 million deal signed in February 2021. The contract includes a $1 million buyout for the 2025 club option year. His annual salary under this contract is $16 million. Prior to this, he signed a one-year, $18 million deal with the Braves for the 2020 season. His career earnings have surpassed $111 million. As he enters his contract year in 2025, his performance will be closely watched as he approaches free agency in 2026.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Ozuna’s career has been significantly impacted by off-field legal issues, most notably the domestic violence incident in May 2021. Following his arrest for allegedly assaulting his wife, he faced felony charges, which were later dropped after he completed a pretrial diversion program. This program included a 20-game retroactive suspension from MLB, a 24-week family violence intervention program, 200 hours of community service, and an anger management course.
In August 2022, Ozuna was arrested for driving under the influence. He pleaded no contest and paid a fine. These incidents have undoubtedly affected his public image and have been a point of concern for the Braves organization and their fanbase. Ozuna has publicly apologized for his mistakes and has stated that he has learned from the counseling and intervention programs he underwent.
Playing Style and Strengths
Marcell Ozuna is primarily known for his powerful right-handed bat. He possesses the ability to hit for both average and significant power, making him a dangerous hitter in the middle of the lineup.
Power Hitting: Ozuna has consistently been among the league leaders in home runs and extra-base hits throughout his career. His ability to drive the ball with force makes him a constant threat to opposing pitchers.
Run Production: He has a knack for driving in runs, as evidenced by his RBI totals over the years, including leading the National League in 2020.
Clutch Hitting: Evidenced by his six career walk-off hits, including the recent one in May 2025, Ozuna has shown the ability to perform under pressure and deliver key hits in crucial situations.
Physical Presence: At 6’1″ and around 225 pounds, his strong build contributes to his hitting power.
While he was initially a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder, particularly in left field, Ozuna has transitioned primarily to the designated hitter role in recent seasons. This shift reflects a focus on maximizing his offensive output while mitigating any potential defensive limitations as he has aged.
Family Life
Marcell Ozuna was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His father was a painter, and his mother was a housekeeper. He has a brother and two sisters. He is also the cousin of former MLB player Pablo Ozuna. Marcell is married to Génesis Guzmán, and as of 2017, the couple had three children.
Community Work and Off-Field Efforts
While Ozuna’s career has been marked by personal controversies, it’s important to note that following his legal issues, he was required to complete 200 hours of community service as part of his pretrial diversion program. He has spoken about learning from these experiences and aiming to be a better person. The Atlanta Braves organization also has a strong community focus through the Atlanta Braves Foundation, which supports various initiatives. While specific details of Ozuna’s independent community work outside of his legal obligations are less publicly highlighted, his participation in the mandated community service is a documented aspect of his efforts to address his past actions.
FAQs
Who is Marcell Ozuna?
Marcell Ozuna, nicknamed “The Big Bear,” is a Dominican professional baseball player born on November 12, 1990, in Santo Domingo. He made his MLB debut on April 30, 2013, and currently serves as the designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves.
What are Marcell Ozuna’s 2025 season statistics?
As of May 10, 2025, Ozuna boasts a .276 batting average with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs. His OPS stands at an impressive .869, placing him among the top hitters in the league.
What is Marcell Ozuna’s current contract status?
The Atlanta Braves exercised a $16 million club option for Ozuna for the 2025 season. This marks the final year of his five-year, $80 million contract, making him a free agent at the end of the season.
Has Marcell Ozuna faced any injuries recently?
In April 2025, Ozuna experienced hip inflammation and underwent an MRI. Fortunately, the results showed nothing serious, and he was listed as day-to-day.
What are some of Marcell Ozuna’s recent highlights?
On May 6, 2025, Ozuna delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning, securing a 2-1 victory for the Braves over the Reds. This marked his sixth career walk-off hit.
Is Marcell Ozuna active on social media?
Yes, Ozuna maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @thebigbear13ozuna, where he shares insights into his professional and personal life.
Has Marcell Ozuna been involved in any controversies?
In August 2022, Ozuna was arrested for driving under the influence in Norcross, Georgia. He admitted to consuming “three or four” beers earlier that night.
What are Marcell Ozuna’s advanced batting metrics for 2025?
According to Statcast data, Ozuna’s 2025 metrics include an average exit velocity of 92.3 mph, a hard-hit rate of 49.4%, and a weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .397.
What is Marcell Ozuna’s role in the Braves’ lineup?
Ozuna typically bats in the middle of the Braves’ lineup, often occupying the second or third spot, providing power and run-producing capabilities.
Is Marcell Ozuna a potential trade candidate?
Given that 2025 is the final year of his contract, there has been speculation about the Braves potentially trading Ozuna, especially if the team falls out of playoff contention.
To conclude
Marcell Ozuna’s 2025 season is pivotal, both for his career trajectory and the Atlanta Braves’ success. With a solid start to the season, including a notable walk-off hit and impressive batting metrics, Ozuna continues to be a key contributor to the Braves’ lineup. His performance against left-handed pitchers and his role in the heart of the batting order underscore his value to the team.
Off the field, Ozuna’s personal life, including his marriage and children, adds depth to his public persona. However, past controversies, such as the 2022 DUI arrest, have also been part of his narrative. As he approaches free agency, Ozuna’s focus remains on delivering consistent performances to secure his future in MLB, with a preference to continue with the Braves.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses, anticipating how Ozuna’s contributions will shape both his career and the Braves’ fortunes in 2025.
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