The Atlanta Braves have been one of MLB’s biggest disappointments this season. Once viewed as serious World Series contenders, they now appear to be fading from the postseason picture. Given their struggles, the Braves could shift gears and become aggressive sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.
While it’s still unclear whether GM Alex Anthopoulos will pull the trigger on a sell-off, many believe it would be a logical move. MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan recently floated the idea that slugger Marcell Ozuna could be one of Atlanta’s most valuable trade chips.
“Anthopoulos has made it clear that controllable assets like Chris Sale, who has a 2026 club option, aren’t going anywhere,” Harrigan wrote. “But if he reevaluates the team’s deadline strategy, we could see Atlanta deal pending free agents — and Ozuna stands out among them.” Other names include Raisel Iglesias, Rafael Montero, and Alex Verdugo.
Though Ozuna’s power numbers have dipped in 2025, he’s still getting on base at a strong .379 clip. And with 79 home runs and a .552 slugging percentage across the previous two seasons, he remains an attractive option for playoff-bound teams seeking a reliable bat in the heart of their lineup.
With his contract expiring after this season, a return to Atlanta seems unlikely. That makes him an ideal candidate to move now — allowing the Braves to pick up solid prospects rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.
If the Braves decide to sell, trading Marcell Ozuna may be their smartest and most valuable move.
Leave a Reply