{"id":2237001,"date":"2026-01-16T03:13:50","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T03:13:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2237001"},"modified":"2026-01-16T03:13:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T03:13:50","slug":"braves-65-million-slugger-linked-to-royals-in-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/braves-65-million-slugger-linked-to-royals-in-free-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Braves&#8217; $65 Million Slugger Linked To Royals In Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div q:key=\"QW_4\"><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=66 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>The Kansas City Royals are a very interesting team right now. Two seasons ago, they emerged as one of the better teams in the American League. They had a chance to compete for the AL pennant down the stretch with Bobby Witt Jr. leading the team.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=67 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"68\">The Kansas City Royals are a very interesting team right now. Two seasons ago, they emerged as one of the better teams in the American League. They had a chance to compete for the AL pennant down the stretch with Bobby Witt Jr. leading the team.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=69 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Last season, they fell off the map quite a bit. They whiffed on the postseason because they didn&#39;t have the firepower to compete with the top clubs. <\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6a q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6b\">Last season, they fell off the map quite a bit. They whiffed on the postseason because they didn&#8217;t have the firepower to compete with the top clubs. <\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6c q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Given the fact that Witt is under contract for a few more years, the Royals need to make their run at a World Series while he&#39;s locked down. This could result in the Royals making an aggressive move in free agency or on the trade block over the coming weeks.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6d q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6e\">Given the fact that Witt is under contract for a few more years, the Royals need to make their run at a World Series while he&#8217;s locked down. This could result in the Royals making an aggressive move in free agency or on the trade block over the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6f q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p><em>If you like our content,&nbsp;<\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\"><em><strong>choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6g q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-3\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6h\"><em>If you like our content,\u00a0<\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\"><em><strong>choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6i q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Bleacher Report&#39;s Kerry Miller recently <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/25357604-1-realistic-option-plug-each-mlb-teams-biggest-roster-hole\" target=\"_blank\">suggested the Royals could bolster their offense<\/a> by signing Atlanta Braves veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna this winter. Ozuna is coming off a huge contract and is only expected to sign a one or two year deal this offseason.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6j q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6k\">Bleacher Report&#8217;s Kerry Miller recently <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/25357604-1-realistic-option-plug-each-mlb-teams-biggest-roster-hole\" target=\"_blank\">suggested the Royals could bolster their offense<\/a> by signing Atlanta Braves veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna this winter. Ozuna is coming off a huge contract and is only expected to sign a one or two year deal this offseason.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6l q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h2>Marcell Ozuna could be an intriguing target for the Royals<\/h2>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6m q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6n\">Marcell Ozuna could be an intriguing target for the Royals<\/h2>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6o q:key=vcaa:https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,w_4059,h_2283,x_0,y_0\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/inside_the_royals\/01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy--><!--qv q:id=6p q:key=VjqC:mL_1--><!--qv q:id=6q q:key=deAA:7d_2--><!--qv q:s q:sref=6q q:key=--><!--qv q:id=6r q:key=deAA:7d_1--><!--qv q:s q:sref=6r q:key=--><!--qv q:id=6s q:key=cHU9:7d_0--><!--qv q:id=6t q:key=deAA:e2_0--><!--qv q:id=6u q:key=B0c2:SZ_1--><\/p>\n<figure q:key=\"9m_3\"><!--qv q:s q:sref=6u q:key=--><!--qv q:s q:sref=6t q:key=--><\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\" on:qvisible=\"q-RosueiwT.js#_hW[0]\" q:id=\"6v\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 1x, &#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 2x, &#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 1x,&#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 2x, &#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 1x,&#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 2x,&#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4059,h_2283\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kf1fcewadhgdhkmysy.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><\/p>\n<p><figcaption q:id=\"6x\">Sep 24, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) reacts after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6y q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>&#34;Isaac Collins was a solid acquisition in a trade with the Brewers. Lane Thomas is an intriguing buy-low pick up,&#34; Miller wrote. &#34;But the Royals still need at least one more outfielder or designated hitter who can provide actual slugging prowess. We all know Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are pipe dreams for this small-market club, but&nbsp;DH Marcell Ozuna&nbsp;might be doable on a one-year deal.&#34;<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6z q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-7\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"70\">&#8220;Isaac Collins was a solid acquisition in a trade with the Brewers. Lane Thomas is an intriguing buy-low pick up,&#8221; Miller wrote. &#8220;But the Royals still need at least one more outfielder or designated hitter who can provide actual slugging prowess. We all know Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are pipe dreams for this small-market club, but\u00a0DH Marcell Ozuna\u00a0might be doable on a one-year deal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=71 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Ozuna didn&#39;t have a huge season last year, but he was one of the better players in the National League two years ago.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=72 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"73\">Ozuna didn&#8217;t have a huge season last year, but he was one of the better players in the National League two years ago.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=74 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>The Royals could make a serious run at him on a one-year deal. This idea would give the Royals a middle of the order bat to help bolster their offense. Pair this with a potential trade for somebody like Jarren Duran and the Royals would have a very competitive lineup for a year or two.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=75 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"76\">The Royals could make a serious run at him on a one-year deal. This idea would give the Royals a middle of the order bat to help bolster their offense. Pair this with a potential trade for somebody like Jarren Duran and the Royals would have a very competitive lineup for a year or two.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=77 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>There are other teams that could make a run at Ozuna, too, but it seems like the Braves are alright with letting him walk in free agency.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=78 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"79\">There are other teams that could make a run at Ozuna, too, but it seems like the Braves are alright with letting him walk in free agency.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=7a q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p><em><strong>More MLB: <\/strong><\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/royals\/onsi\/news\/blockbuster-red-sox-royals-mock-trade-sends-all-star-to-kansas-city-zach3\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>Blockbuster Red Sox-Royals Mock Trade Sends All-Star To Kansas City<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7b q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7c\"><em><strong>More MLB: <\/strong><\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/royals\/onsi\/news\/blockbuster-red-sox-royals-mock-trade-sends-all-star-to-kansas-city-zach3\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>Blockbuster Red Sox-Royals Mock Trade Sends All-Star To Kansas City<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.si.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Royals are a very interesting team right now. Two seasons ago, they emerged as one of the better teams in the American League. They had a chance to compete for the AL pennant down the stretch with Bobby Witt Jr. leading the team. Last season, they fell off the map quite a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2237002,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2237001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-royalty"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Braves-65-Million-Slugger-Linked-To-Royals-In-Free-Agency.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2237001"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237001\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2237003,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237001\/revisions\/2237003"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2237002"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2237001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2237001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2237001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}