If you had told Atlanta Braves fans a couple of years ago that Marcell Ozuna would be a top 50 player in MLB Network’s rankings, they might’ve given you a skeptical look.
But here we are in 2025, and Ozuna has skyrocketed from No. 83 last season all the way to No. 47. That’s a 36-spot leap, and if you’re keeping track, that’s not just improvement—that’s dominance.
The Braves’ Best Bat in 2024
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just some statistical bump. Ozuna was the guy for Atlanta last year. While the Braves boasted one of the best lineups in baseball, Ozuna stood out as their best position player.
In a lineup full of power threats, he was the only Atlanta hitter to get an All-Star nod in 2024, making it his third career selection and his first as a Brave. He even took his swing to the Home Run Derby, though his run was cut short in the first round.
What makes his season even more impressive? He played every single game—162 straight—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s game. And he didn’t just show up; he raked. His final slash line? A scorching .302/.378/.546 with 39 homers and 104 RBIs.
Those are MVP-caliber numbers; speaking of MVP talk, he finished fourth in voting. That’s no small feat when competing with names like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Late-Season Slump Didn’t Overshadow His Success
Did he slow down a bit at the end of the season? Sure. His September numbers—just two home runs and six RBIs—weren’t quite at the level he had set for himself earlier in the year.
If he had maintained that power production, maybe he would’ve climbed even higher in the rankings. But a top-50 finish is still a major milestone, and let’s be real, after the way he performed, it’s well deserved.
Ozuna’s resurgence also puts him in contention for more hardware, including the Silver Slugger Award, where he was a finalist. It’s a tough category to win, especially when you’re going up against Ohtani.
Still, the fact that Ozuna is even in the conversation speaks volumes about the season he put together.
Braves Well Represented in MLB’s Top 100
Ozuna’s rise isn’t the only Braves storyline in the rankings. He joins center fielder Michael Harris II, who dropped from No. 50 last year to No. 67 this year, and newly signed left fielder Jurickson Profar, who enters the rankings at No. 84 after not making the cut last season.
And let’s not forget about Max Fried, Ozuna’s former teammate, who lands just a few spots ahead at No. 44. The Braves may have had some ups and downs, but one thing is for sure—Marcell Ozuna has firmly re-established himself as one of baseball’s best hitters.
