Toronto Blue Jays unexpectedly linked to 35 year old two-time Silver Slugger

Jan 27, 2026 (5:57 PM)

Photo credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Marcell Ozuna is sitting on the open market like a discounted stick of dynamite waiting for a desperate team to light the fuse.

The "Big Bear" is currently unsigned after a 2025 campaign that saw his production dip to 21 home runs and a .755 OPS.

But savvy front offices know that recency bias is the enemy of value.

Just one season prior, Ozuna was a legitimate MVP candidate who mashed 39 homers and posted a .925 OPS for the Braves.

Ross Atkins has spent this entire winter dodging big contracts like they are incoming sliders.

Signing Ozuna on a high-AAV, one-year "prove it" deal fits the current payroll constraints perfectly.

The Blue Jays desperately need a right-handed hammer to slot behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the newly acquired Kazuma Okamoto.

Opposing pitchers would think twice about pitching around Vladdy if Ozuna is looming in the on-deck circle with his fluorescent sleeve.

Fans might be wary of his age (35), but his Exit Velocity numbers suggest the bat speed is still elite.

His "mix it up" celebration is exactly the kind of arrogant energy this clubhouse has lacked since the glory days of 2015.

Yes, his defensive value is non-existent, but the universal DH was invented for players exactly like him.

Plugging him into the cleanup spot allows George Springer to focus on getting on base rather than trying to hit five-run homers.

The market has cooled significantly on Ozuna due to his second-half slide last year.

That creates a perfect storm for Toronto to swoop in and grab a potential 30-homer threat for pennies on the dollar.

If the goal is to win the AL East, you need guys who can change a scoreboard with one swing.

Ozuna has done it for a decade, and he is likely angry enough to do it again in 2026.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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JANVIER 27\|262 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays unexpectedly linked to 35 year old two-time Silver Slugger Will Marcell Ozuna hit 25+ home runs this season?
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