Blue Jays: Marcell Ozuna reportedly on the offseason radar

According to a recent report out of the Dominican Republic, the Toronto Blue Jays could be one of the possible offseason suitors for free-agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

The Blue Jays offseason goals should not only include shoring up their starting pitching but also securing a legitimate outfielder to complement the likes of Randal Grichuk and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

This outfield vacancy could be filled free-agent Marcell Ozuna according to journalist Adam Lesther who recently tweeted that Ozuna is being pursued by the Blue Jays, Red, White Sox, Marlins, Cardinals, Royals, Athletics, and Mariners.

Ozuna would be an offensive upgrade over anything the Jays trotted out there this past season, however, it will be interesting to see if the Blue Jays brain trust will be willing to pony up the estimated $160 million over seven years that is the proposed asking price for the services of Ozuna.

The 28-year old hit a career-low .241 with 29 home runs and 12 stolen bases with a 2.2 WAR in 130 games for the Cardinals. The outfielder earned $12.25 million this past season and is in line for a considerable raise in his first taste of free agency.

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Ozuna is a two-time All-Star and also owns a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award for his efforts as a member of the Marlins in 2017. The native of the Dominican Republic will have no shortage of suitors when he officially hits the open market.

The outfielder would definitely fit nicely into the meat of the Jays batting order and is an immediate upgrade over Teoscar Hernandez, Billy McKinney, and Derek Fisher. Ozuna would also be a respected veteran voice for the younger players including fellow countryman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Time will tell, if and when, the brain trust will be willing to make a financial commitment of this magnitude and who they will deem worthy when the time comes.