New York Mets use for Marcell Ozuna is no longer just a luxury

Marcell Ozuna is no longer a luxury item for the New York Mets. Now he’s a guy they could actually plug into the lineup and use.

Robinson Cano’s suspension in 2021 changes a lot about how the New York Mets will approach this offseason. They have some extra money to spend and roster availability for a big bat.

It’s about the best news the team could have received. For those hoping to see the team land Marcell Ozuna, it’s especially good to hear.

Ozuna’s name appeared in recent Mets rumors. However, at the time, it looked like fitting him into the 2021 plans was more of a luxury and less of a need.

The reigning NL home run champion is more a DH at this stage, but also capable of playing left field. The Mets have an easy way to make it work with Ozuna if they navigate their roster accordingly.

Jeff McNeil is a logical replacement at second base for Cano. J.D. Davis, one of the best candidates to start in left field, then moves to third base. This opens up left field for Ozuna to play.

Ozuna is not the only option for the Mets next season in left field. They can proceed with McNeil at the position and go on the hunt for a different option at second base. Alternatively, bringing in George Springer to play center field then opens up the Mets to make the next logical move and shift Brandon Nimmo over to left field.

Ozuna isn’t the greatest fit for the Mets and what they need most. Right-handed power is plentiful enough already. Between Davis and Pete Alonso, they have enough of it. Given the choice, I would rather see the club add a bat like DJ LeMahieu. Something they severely lack is a righty capable of hitting for average.

The price tag on Ozuna shouldn’t be too low for the Mets to steal him away from the Atlanta Braves without a fight. The defending NL East champions already paid Drew Smyly $11 million for next year. Letting Ozuna walk and land with the Mets at a bargain deal would be criminal by them.

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When this offseason first began, left field wasn’t even a thought for the Amazins. Davis, McNeil, Nimmo, and even Dominic Smith all looked like viable options. Losing Cano flicks a switch and makes the possibilities a lot greater.