On December 14, 2017 the Cardinals traded with the Miami Marlins for outfielder Marcell Ozuna, giving up right-hander Sandy Alcantara, outfielder Magneuris Sierra, right-hander Zac Gallen and lefty Daniel Castano. The presence of Ozuna immediately bolstered the Cardinals outfield, defensively and at the plate. Many call him the Cardinals new best player before he even donned the Birds on the Bat.
But then the season started and Marcell struggled, both at the plate and in the field.
Ozuna made 521 plate appearances from the beginning of the season until he hit the Disabled List on August 22 with right shoulder impingement.