Career Timeline of Marcell Ozuna: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Marcell Ozuna built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Marcell Ozuna, nicknamed "the Big Bear", is a Dominican professional baseball player currently playing designated hitter and outfielder for the Atlanta Braves in MLB. He debuted in MLB in 2013 with the Miami Marlins and also played for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is known for his offensive capabilities.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 15, 2008: Signed by Florida Marlins

On February 15, 2008, the Florida Marlins signed Marcell Ozuna as an international free agent, granting him a $49,000 bonus.

2008: Signed as Free Agent

In 2008, Ozuna was signed by the Marlins as an amateur free agent.

2009: Played for GCL Marlins

In 2009, Marcell Ozuna played for the GCL Marlins, hitting .313 with five home runs and 39 RBIs over 55 games.

2010: Joined Greensboro Grasshoppers

In 2010, Marcell Ozuna began the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers but was sidelined with a wrist injury, later returning to play with Short Season Jamestown.

2011: Played with Greensboro

In 2011, Marcell Ozuna played with Greensboro, achieving a .266 batting average, 23 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases over 131 games.

November 20, 2012: Added to Marlins' 40-Man Roster

On November 20, 2012, Marcell Ozuna was added to the Miami Marlins' 40-man roster.

April 29, 2013: Named Player of the Week and Promoted to MLB

On April 29, 2013, Marcell Ozuna was named the Southern League's player of the week, and the Marlins promoted him to the major leagues following an injury to Giancarlo Stanton.

April 30, 2013: MLB Debut

On April 30, 2013, Marcell Ozuna made his major league debut, recording his first career hit against Jeremy Hefner of the New York Mets.

2013: MLB Debut with Miami Marlins

In 2013, Marcell Ozuna made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Miami Marlins.

September 11, 2014: Tied Franchise Record

On September 11, 2014, Marcell Ozuna tied a franchise record with home runs in four consecutive games.

July 5, 2015: Sent Down to AAA

On July 5, 2015, Marcell Ozuna was sent down to AAA after struggling at the plate.

2016: First MLB All-Star Selection

In 2016, Ozuna was selected for his first MLB All-Star game.

2016: Returned to Marlins Roster

In 2016, despite offseason offers from other teams, Marcell Ozuna returned to the Miami Marlins roster and was placed in the number-two spot in the lineup.

December 14, 2017: Traded to St. Louis Cardinals

On December 14, 2017, the Miami Marlins traded Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals for Sandy Alcántara, Magneuris Sierra, Zac Gallen, and Daniel Castano.

2017: All-Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove Winner

In 2017, Marcell Ozuna was an MLB All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove winner. He also finished fourth in the National League in batting average (.312) and third in home runs (37) and runs batted in (124).

2017: Named NL All-Star Starter

In 2017, Marcell Ozuna was named a starter for the National League (NL) in the MLB All-Star Game, marking a career-high season with a .312 batting average, 37 home runs, and 124 RBI. He also won NL Player of the Week again.

2017: Previous Player of the Week Awards

Marcell Ozuna had already won the NL Player of the Week twice with the Miami Marlins during the 2017 season, once in mid-April and again in early September, before winning it again in June 2018.

January 12, 2018: Agreed to Contract with Cardinals

On January 12, 2018, Marcell Ozuna and the St. Louis Cardinals reached an agreement on a one-year, $9 million contract.

June 2, 2018: 100th Career Home Run

On June 2, 2018, Marcell Ozuna hit his 100th career home run off Chad Kuhl in a 3–2 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This was also his first home run at Busch Stadium as a member of the Cardinals.

July 30, 2018: First Walk-Off Home Run

On July 30, 2018, Marcell Ozuna hit his first walk-off home run at Busch Stadium versus the Colorado Rockies, helping St. Louis win 5–4.

2019: First Postseason Series

In 2019, Marcell Ozuna played in his first career postseason series, the National League Division Series, where he hit .429 with nine hits and five RBI against the Atlanta Braves.

2019: Tied for Most Home Runs Hit in a Season

Marcell Ozuna's two home runs on October 1, 2023, helped the 2023 Braves tie the 2019 Minnesota Twins for the most home runs hit in a season.

January 21, 2020: Signed with Atlanta Braves

On January 21, 2020, Marcell Ozuna signed a one-year contract worth $18 million with the Atlanta Braves.

2020: Led NL in Home Runs and RBIs

In 2020, Marcell Ozuna led the National League (NL) in both home runs and RBIs.

2020: Led NL in Home Runs and RBIs, Won Silver Slugger

In 2020, during the shortened 60-game season, Marcell Ozuna led the National League (NL) with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs and subsequently won his second Silver Slugger Award.

February 5, 2021: Re-signed with Atlanta Braves

On February 5, 2021, Marcell Ozuna re-signed with the Atlanta Braves with a four-year, $64 million deal.

2022: Played 124 Games

In the 2022 season, Marcell Ozuna played 124 games, hitting 23 home runs with a .226 batting average.

2023: Career-High 40 Home Runs

In 2023, Marcell Ozuna finished with a career-high 40 home runs. His two October 1 home runs also helped the 2023 Braves tie the 2019 Minnesota Twins for most home runs hit in a season.