Marcell Ozuna has always been the energizer in the Braves clubhouse, but after coming back from an .085 batting average at one point in April last season to hitting .298, leading the majors in RBI with 170, ranking third in MLB in homers with 61, and seventh in OPS at .961 since May 1, 2023, Ozuna has now also become the leader in the Braves’ clubhouse.
When watching the game Sunday Beau Morgan noticed that after Matt Olson’s solo home run in the bottom of the second inning Ozuna was not only the first to greet and celebrate with Olson because he was next up in the lineup, but Beau also noticed Marcell giving Matt some extra words of encouragement as Olson went to the dugout. Beau talked about that moment being the moment he realized that Ozuna may indeed be the leader of this team.
“He is building his players up," Beau said. "He might be the leader right now of this clubhouse because even Chris Sale talked about how infectious Marcell Ozuna is as a leader on this team.”
Sale, one of the other Braves All-Stars this season, who also has had to deal with his own obstacles, did indeed talk about the infectious energy and leadership Ozuna brings to the Braves.
“I obviously played against him a lot, but being on the same side is a lot of fun. He brings a lot of energy, everybody gravitates toward him. Guys look up to him because of what he’s done, the experiences he’s had and what he does on the field, but because of who he is in the clubhouse as well. If he’s in the room, it’s never dull. That’s what makes this game fun. Those are the teammates you remember forever,” Sale said of Ozuna.
After two dismal seasons in 2021-2022, when he had injuries and problems on and off the field, and a terrible April 2023 Marcell Ozuna is using that adversity he faced and overcame, those experiences he went through, and the wisdom he now has because of it all to not only make himself a better person and player, but he’s also using it to be a leader and someone his Braves teammates can look up to.
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