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 designated hitter and outfielder currently a free agent. He debuted in MLB in 2013 with the Miami Marlins and has since played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. He is known for his hitting prowess.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 15, 2008: Signed by the Florida Marlins

On February 15, 2008, Ozuna was signed by the Florida Marlins as an international free agent with a $49,000 bonus.

2008: Signed as Free Agent

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

2009: Plays for GCL Marlins

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

2010: Injured wrist with the Grasshoppers

In 2010, Ozuna began the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers but was sidelined with an injured wrist after six appearances. He returned in June with Short Season Jamestown.

2011: Plays for Greensboro Grasshoppers

In 2011, Ozuna played with Greensboro, hitting .266 with 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, Ozuna was added to the Marlins' 40-man roster.

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

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

April 30, 2013: Major League Debut

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

July 26, 2013: Season-Ending Thumb Surgery

On July 26, 2013, Ozuna underwent season-ending thumb surgery after suffering a ligament tear and avulsion fracture in his left thumb.

2013: MLB Debut with the Marlins

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

September 11, 2014: Ties Franchise Record

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

July 5, 2015: Sent Down to AAA

On July 5, 2015, Ozuna was sent down to AAA after struggling at the plate, dipping his average to .249 on the season.

2016: MLB All-Star

In 2016, Ozuna was selected as an MLB All-Star.

2016: Back on Marlins Roster

In 2016, despite receiving several offers from other teams, Ozuna was back on the Marlins roster and inserted in the number-two spot in the lineup.

December 14, 2017: Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals

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

2017: Player of the Week

In 2017 Ozuna won the Player of the Week award twice with the Miami Marlins, in mid-April and early September.

2017: Breakout Season

In 2017, Ozuna had a breakout season, becoming an MLB All-Star, Silver Slugger, and 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 and Career Highs

In 2017, Ozuna was named a starter for the National League (NL) in the MLB All-Star Game and established career highs in numerous categories, including batting .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBI.

January 12, 2018: Agreement on Contract

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

June 2, 2018: 100th Career Home Run

On June 2, 2018, Ozuna hit his 100th career home run off Chad Kuhl in a 3–2 victory versus the Pittsburgh Pirates, which 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, at Busch Stadium versus the Colorado Rockies, Ozuna hit his first walk-off home run, helping St. Louis defeat the Rockies 5–4.

June 29, 2019: Placed on Injured List

On June 29, 2019, Ozuna was placed on the injured list with a finger fracture.

2019: First Career Postseason Series

In 2019, with the Cardinals reaching the National League Division Series, Ozuna played in his first career postseason series, hitting .429 with nine hits and five RBI against the Atlanta Braves.

January 21, 2020: Signed with the Atlanta Braves

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

2020: Silver Slugger Award

In 2020, Ozuna had a great season, leading the National League with 18 home runs. He also won his second Silver Slugger Award.

February 5, 2021: Re-signed with the Braves

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

2022: 2022 Season Performance

In the 2022 season, Ozuna played 124 games, hitting 23 home runs while batting .226/.274/.413 in 470 at bats.

2023: Career-High Home Runs

In 2023 Ozuna hit two home runs in the regular-season finale to finish with a career-high 40 home runs. His two October 1 homers also helped the 2023 Braves tie the 2019 Minnesota Twins for most home runs hit in a season.

2024: Strong 2024 Season

During the 2024 season, Ozuna was a bright spot in Atlanta’s injury-plagued lineup, batting .302 with 39 home runs, 104 RBIs, and a .925 OPS. He also finished fourth in NL MVP voting.