Marcell Ozuna Says Cardinals Are Top Choice in Free Agency; Rangers in Mix

Outfielder Marcell Ozuna, one of the biggest remaining MLB free agents, reportedly has made it clear where he wants to play.

According to Neftali Ruiz of CDN 37 in the Dominican Republic (h/t Z101 MLB Insider Hector Gomez), Ozuna said he's hoping he can work out a new deal to stay in St. Louis. Ozuna said the Cardinals and Texas Rangers are still in the driver's seat for his services but he'd prefer to remain in Missouri. 

"St. Louis is on the hunt. We will see which one of the two [it] will be [Cardinals or Rangers]," Ozuna said per Gomez' translation. "I've been in St. Louis and I like the city. My first option will be St. Louis. If they step up I will stay, if not I will find a new home."

The market for Ozuna has cooled off considerably in recent weeks. Of the higher-profile outfielders, Kole Calhoun, Corey Dickerson, Avisail Garcia and Brett Gardner have already agreed to new deals while Ozuna and Nicholas Castellanos remain at the top of the list of remaining players.

Texas would certainly make sense for the 29-year-old left fielder. After trading starter Nomar Mazara to the White Sox for prospect Steele Walker earlier this winter, there's an opening in the outfield for the Rangers and no question that Ozuna would be an upgrade. 

The Dominican-born veteran slashed .241/.328/.472 in 2019 with 29 home runs and 89 RBI while batting clean up for the Cardinals. In turn, he helped St. Louis reach the National League Championship Series where it was ultimately swept by a Washington Nationals team that went onto claim the World Series. 

It's possible Ozuna's comments could help jumpstart the bidding for his talents or give Texas a reason to blow him away with an offer. As much help as Ozuna provides in the lineup, it comes at the cost of his subpar defense. That's something teams will definitely take into consideration. The same goes for his age. Turning 30 years old isn't as much of a death knell in baseball as it can be in other sports, but if Ozuna is looking for a longer-term deal, that might not be in the cards. 

Gardner, Calhoun and Dickerson each signed one- to two-year deals. Ozuna is a higher-caliber player than his counterparts, but if he's looking to get a much longer deal, he may be in a tough spot.