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Three potential landing spots for this former MLB top prospect
Hunter Dozier Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Three potential landing spots for this former MLB top prospect

On Monday, the Kansas City Royals designated Hunter Dozier for assignment. The 31-year-old utility player was put in this situation after starting the year off with an abysmal .253 OBP and a 31.9% strikeout rate. 

Dozier, the eighth overall pick in 2013, had a breakout 2019 season but hasn't been able to replicate his success since then. Part of that is due to the swing-and-miss in his game and his consistently poor defense, but injuries have also played a big part in his decline.
 
While he likely won't be a 2.8 WAR player like in 2019, Dozier can still contribute to teams, especially with his versatility. In his seven years in the majors, Dozier has played both corner infield positions, DH and both corner outfield positions.
 
A change of scenery could be helpful, and there's room to contribute to a few different teams. Here are three of the top landing spots for Hunter Dozier.

Atlanta Braves

With Atlanta's infield utility player, Ehire Adrianza, on the 60-day IL, the Braves' utility options are thin:

Currently, Charlie Culberson fills the utility role. In AAA Gwinnett this year, he's struggled mightily, with a .489 OPS. Given how poorly he's played in the minors alone, there's not much reason to keep him around in Atlanta. Hunter Dozier has much higher upside, and could even take some reps at DH if he gets hot. 

Signing Dozier fits perfectly with Alex Anthopoulos' M.O. of acquiring players off waivers, such as Dylan Lee in 2021 or Adeiny Hechavarria in 2019. Perhaps he could be AA's next reclamation project.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds, sitting at 19-27, are not having a great 2023 season. However, there's not many better places than Great American Ball Park to put a hitter with pop like Dozier's. He could thrive in the hitter-friendly environment, and the Reds could certainly use his talents. 

Infielders Kevin Newman, Matt McLain and Jose Barrero have all had subpar seasons, and the latter two have minor-league options remaining. Adding Dozier to the mix would be a low-risk move for a team that doesn't have much to lose. 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Staying in the NL Central, the resurgent Pirates could definitely use the infield depth with Oneil Cruz hurt. Backup infielders on their squad right now include Chris Owings, who has been dreadful in limited time this season, and 37-year-old Carlos Santana. 

Owings, who was Dozier's teammate in Kansas City for a brief time, has an awful .286 OPS and has never been a defensive wizard. There's not much reason for the Pirates to be rostering him, and Dozier would be a much better fit on the team. 

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