Who will sign Ozuna? Here are 6 contenders

Marcell Ozuna had a spectacular 2020 season, leading the National League in home runs and RBIs in his first season with the Braves.

His journey through free agency hasn't been as smooth as expected, with the uncertainty surrounding the future of the designated hitter in the NL.

Nobody questions Ozuna's offensive prowess; the 30-year-old has posted an .860 OPS with 107 home runs in 497 games since the start of 2017. He won a Gold Glove Award in 2017, but his defensive skills are not considered strong, causing many teams to view him as more of a DH than an everyday outfield option.

Where does Ozuna's market stand as we rapidly approach the start of Spring Training? Here's a look at some potential suitors, broken down into three categories: Favorites, contenders and dark horses.

THE FAVORITES

Braves
Atlanta hasn't replaced Ozuna's bat in its lineup; the addition of Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly to the rotation mark the Braves' only major moves of the offseason. The club has had great success with one-year deals over the past two years, getting the most out of Josh Donaldson in 2019 and Ozuna last season. It seems unlikely that Ozuna will settle for a one-year deal, but Atlanta seems like the best match for him regardless of what happens with the NL and the DH. (And remember, even with a DH in the NL last year, Ozuna started 21 out of 60 games in the outfield.)

Just as it took some time for Nelson Cruz and the Twins to find common ground, the Braves and Ozuna make a lot of sense for each other.

THE CONTENDERS

White Sox
The White Sox have had an active offseason, signing Liam Hendriks and Adam Eaton while also trading for Lance Lynn. Chicago's offense scored more runs than any team other than the Yankees in 2020, but Nomar Mazara was non-tendered, James McCann signed with the Mets and the underperforming Edwin Encarnación will not return as a free agent. With Tony La Russa at the helm, the White Sox are clearly in win-now mode, so adding Ozuna would make sense. Eaton and Adam Engel would make a strong platoon in right field, giving Ozuna a chance to split time with Eloy Jiménez between left field and DH.

Rays
Tampa Bay likes what Ozuna would bring to its offense, but the potential cost makes the Rays an unlikely landing spot. The DH spot figures to be a rotation cast of characters, so Ozuna would be a perfect fit for the lineup, but it's difficult to see the organization coming up with the best offer for the slugger.

Dodgers
Had Justin Turner already re-signed, the Dodgers would not be a logical destination for Ozuna. But Turner and the Dodgers have been at a stalemate, leaving Los Angeles with some options. The Dodgers' potential interest in Ozuna could be determined by the future of the DH in the NL, as their crowded outfield boasts Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, A.J. Pollock and Chris Taylor. But Bellinger could move to first base, shifting Max Muncy to second or third, opening left field for Ozuna in 2021. Taylor might also slide into the jack-of-all-trades role formerly held by Enrique Hernández. The versatility of the roster creates plenty of options.

THE DARK HORSES

Mariners
Ty France currently sits atop Seattle's depth chart at DH, and while the Mariners are in the midst of a youth movement, every rebuilding club needs a proven veteran or two to help lead the way. Ozuna would be a natural fit as the DH in Seattle for a club that ranked 11th in the American League in runs scored last season. The fact that Marco Gonzales and Evan White are the only players with guaranteed money on the books for 2023 -- a combined $9.75 million -- doesn't hurt, either.

Giants
San Francisco could use a power bat in the middle of its lineup, and while Alex Dickerson is penciled in at left field, Ozuna would be a clear upgrade offensively if there's no DH this season. The Giants will be clearing a big chunk of payroll after the 2021 season, so a backloaded contract could help make this happen if San Francisco wants to add a big bat.