“How desperate Major League Baseball is for participants” - MLB broadcaster condemns league’s decision to select Marcell Ozuna for Home Run Derby

Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna has committed to the home Run Derby, and many are not too happy about it. While undoubtedly having immense power at the plate, his off-field issues have rubbed others the wrong way.

In 2021, Ozuna was arrested and charged with aggravated assault by strangulation and battery after police witnessed him grabbing his wife. The charges were later dropped after he completed a diversion program.

Ozuna's commitment to the Home Run derby especially does not sit well with MLB analyst Jared Carrabis and Oakland Athletics broadcaster Dallas Braden. They do not think he should be in the competition at all.

"Marcell Ozuna is going to be in the Home Run Derby which says to me how desperate Major League Baseball is for participants. Like, how many people had to say no before Major League Baseball was like 'We gotta do it,'" - said Carrabis.

Carrabis believes there were a ton of other sluggers who would not commit to the Home Run Derby, forcing MLB's hand. which is unfortunate, given how exciting the event is for fans.

"You're putting him on a pedestal that you don't have to. So, all this says to me, really, is a lot of people must have said no" - said Carrabis.

There is no denying that this has left a sour taste in Carrabis' mouth. However, he is not the only person who feels this way, Yahoo Sports' Jake Mintz also echoed a similar stance recently.

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Despite the legal battles, the Braves have stuck with Marcell Ozuna

Atlanta Braves - Marcell Ozuna (Image via IMAGN)

Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna was hit with a 20-game suspension following his 2021 arrest. He served his suspension but was then hit with a DUI the following year.

Many suspected that Atlanta would part ways with the slugger following his second arrest, but that was not the case. They stuck with him, even with other fans trolling him hard.

It has left some fans wondering why he has been able to stay in the league when others have not. Trevor Bauer is still trying his best to return to the Major Leagues after his legal battles have subsided.

Ozuna has to be on his last leg. There is no way he can get in any more trouble and be allowed to stay in the league without plenty of fans coming unglued. He will want to be on his best behavior from here on out.