Mets Rumors: How Marcell Ozuna could fit in with the 2021 roster

According to the latest offseason New York Mets rumors, the team has expressed interest in Marcell Ozuna.

The latest batch of New York Mets rumors adds a familiar yet unexpected name to what looks like an army of free agents this team has interest in. Free agent slugger Marcell Ozuna is the latest to appear in Mets rumors. According to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, he has landed on their offseason radar.

In a typical offseason, Ozuna wouldn’t be a logical fit for the Mets. This is the 2020-2021 offseason, baby. Everyone is fair game.

The recently turned 30-year-old outfielder is coming off an awesome year with the rival Atlanta Braves. Practically unnoticed by most, he led the league with 18 home runs and 56 RBI while hitting a robust .338/.431/.636.

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It wouldn’t be Steve Cohen’s first offseason as the owner if the Mets passed on Ozuna entirely. They’re doing their homework and seeing how the best players can fit on the 2021 roster. I appreciate this. The more I think about it, the more I understand why.

The Mets gain even more by signing Ozuna than they would some other players. As a member of the 2020 Braves, New York would also weaken the defending NL East Champions in the process.

There’s something awesome about swiping away a player from a rival team. It’s the same feeling we would get if the Mets managed to sign J.T. Realmuto this winter. Weaken your opponent, strengthen yourself, and watch the standings change. It’s a good strategy.

Ozuna wouldn’t be guaranteed to go back to the Braves, but with the team willing to pay $11 million to Drew Smyly, we have to suspect they wouldn’t cry poverty in their attempt to re-sign the star outfielder.

As for how he fits in Flushing, think of him as the Yoenis Cespedes replacement.

The DH Is very likely to come back in 2021 and although the Mets have options there, wouldn’t it be nice to upgrade further? Ozuna can still play left field for the Mets often, but the team can also shift things around and put together a variety of potent lineups.

A lot of what the Mets do this winter will depend largely on how they feel about trading players away. J.D. Davis remains one of the club’s top trade candidates. Any trade involving an upgrade at the plate or on the mound will probably include him. As Leen Amin of Rising Apple wrote, now is the time to trade him.

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Seeing Ozuna’s name appear in Mets rumors may have come out of left field this week, but who hasn’t been speculated about? The Mets aren’t going to begin the Cohen Era with a disappointing winter. From everything we’ve seen and heard thus far, he’s going to ensure the fans head to Opening Day satisfied.