Ozuna dominates
Ozuna takes another leap forward in career
Marlins’ outfielder having All-Star caliber season.
MIAMI — Think back to season’s start andthe expectations for theMiamiMarlins’ outfield, as talented as any in baseball.
Giancarlo Stanton was Giancarlo Stanton, potentially dominant if healthy and good for a few titanic homers either way. Christian Yelich was the anticipated breakout star, a World Baseball Classic darling who had seen a massive power surge late last season. AndMarcell Ozunawas ... well, no one was quite sure what to expect from Ozuna, an All-Star in 2016 who stumbled terribly in the second half.
Andyet as this year’sMidsummerClassic approaches, and as the Marlins figure to have multiple representatives on their home field next month, it is Ozuna who has been Miami’s best player and the one most deserving of All-Star consideration.
“He’s been unreal this year,” Yelich said. “Definitely one of the best players in baseball right now.”
Yelich’s strong words are more than just one teammate talking up another. They’re true. Ozuna is tied for fifth in the National League in Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs. His 2.7 WAR matches the Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper and edges the Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryant, the league’s past twoMVPs.
Ozuna ranked fourth in theNL in batting average (.333), 10th in on-base percentage (.393) and sixth in slugging (.590) entering Thursday. He’s also among the league leaders— and leads theMarlins— with17 home runs (tied with Stanton) and 47 RBI.
“It’s another step forward. O has really been the most consistent guy overall.” DonMattingly, Marlins manager onMarcell Ozuna