Marlins Trade LF Marcell Ozuna To Cardinals For Four Players

The Miami Marlins continue to revamp their roster, and the latest player they have dealt is Marcell Ozuna. 

Marcell Ozuna Marlins Trade News

Miami traded the All-Star left fielder to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. In exchange, the Marlins will receive right-handed pitching prospect Sandy Alcantara, outfielder Magneuris Sierra, right-hander Zac Gallen and lefty Daniel Castano.

Ozuna, 27, is coming off a terrific season, setting personal highs with a .312 batting average, 37 home runs and 124 RBIs, which ranked third in the National League.

He is the third major player the Marlins — led by co-owner and CEO Derek Jeter — have surrendered in recent weeks. National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton — the 2016 Home Run Derby champion — and second baseman Dee Gordon are the other two who have been jettisoned since the team was sold in September. Stanton went to the New York Yankees, while Gordon joined the Seattle Mariners.

“You would hope … that MLB would screen the ownership so that we have someone come in and provide additions,” agent Scott Boras, who represents Ozuna, said Wednesday. “[Instead], they come in, and they redirect, so you’re not a jewelry store that’s coveting your diamonds. You become a pawn shop that’s trying to pay the rent of the building.”

Ozuna earned $3.5 million last season and is due for arbitration this offseason but will not reach free agency until 2020 at the earliest. MLB Trade Rumors projects  him to earn $10.9 million in 2018.

The Marlins won’t trade Christian Yelich, according to ESPN. The outfielder — who is signed long-term to a bargain contract, is set to earn $7 million this season and is owed a guaranteed  $44.5 million through 2021.

Ozuna also won his first Gold Glove this year.

In five seasons, all with the Marlins, Ozuna has a career .277 average with 96 home runs and 361 RBIs.

MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 04: Marcell Ozuna #13 of the Miami Marlins hits a single to load the bases in the fourth inning of play against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on September 4, 2015 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena

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