The Atlanta Braves are trending upward, winning seven of their last ten games and showing signs of recovery after a rough 0-7 season start. Even though 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. hasn’t returned yet, Atlanta’s offense is one of the most dangerous when fully healthy.
Still, the team holds a 14-16 record, sitting in third place in the NL East and trailing behind both the Phillies and Mets. The division remains competitive, and the Braves—once dominant—aren’t quite the powerhouse they used to be. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has left gaps in the roster, and there are questions about manager Brian Snitker’s future if the team continues to struggle.
If Atlanta can’t close the gap in the standings, tough calls will need to be made by the trade deadline—and All-Star designated hitter Marcell Ozuna could be on the move.
Ozuna Could Be Trade Bait if the Braves Don’t Bounce Back
Last season, Ozuna was a rare bright spot for the Braves, posting a .302/.378/.546 slash line with 31 home runs and 104 RBIs. His strong performance helped keep the team afloat during an injury-riddled campaign.
In 2025, he’s still delivering, boasting a .915 OPS with five home runs in 27 games. He ranks among the league’s best in hard-hit balls and walk rate, making him a clear All-Star candidate behind Shohei Ohtani at DH.
But there’s a catch—Ozuna is 34, in the final year of his contract, and can’t contribute defensively. While his bat has huge value, teams are often hesitant to invest long-term in aging, one-dimensional players. With a big payday likely ahead, it’s uncertain whether the Braves would want to re-sign him.
Given Anthopoulos’s history of moving on before a player declines, and the Braves’ current losing record, trading Ozuna before he hits free agency could be the smart move—especially if the team’s postseason hopes are fading by July.
