The Atlanta Braves appear to be finding their rhythm, winning seven of their last ten games. After a dismal 0-7 start to the season, Brian Snitker’s squad has slowly regained form. When healthy, their lineup is among the most dangerous in Major League Baseball, though they’re still missing 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.
Despite recent wins, the Braves remain under .500 with a 14-16 record, sitting in third place in a tough NL East. The Phillies have long been a thorn in Atlanta’s side, and the Mets currently hold a six-game advantage with no signs of slowing down.
While the Braves have shown resilience in the past, this year’s team looks different from the dominant rosters of previous seasons. There are gaps in the roster left by GM Alex Anthopoulos, and Snitker’s future at the helm is uncertain.
If Atlanta continues to lag behind in the standings, Anthopoulos may have to make some difficult choices at the trade deadline — and one of those could involve All-Star DH Marcell Ozuna.
Marcell Ozuna Could Be Trade Bait if Braves Fall Off
Last season, Ozuna was a rare bright spot for a Braves team plagued by injuries, delivering a career year with a .302/.378/.546 slash line, 31 home runs, and 104 RBIs. His stellar play helped fuel an unlikely postseason appearance.
In 2025, Ozuna is again leading the charge, boasting a .915 OPS, five home runs, and elite stats in both hard-hit rate and walk percentage. He’s a lock to represent the National League as a DH, likely behind Shohei Ohtani in the All-Star Game.
So why would the Braves consider moving him? The answer is pragmatic: Ozuna is 34, in the final year of his contract, and offers no defensive value. While his production is top-tier, his age and limited versatility mean few teams are willing to commit long-term. Still, he’s in line for a major payday this offseason — likely more than the $16 million Atlanta owes him in 2025.
Atlanta may be hesitant to meet that price, which makes exploring a trade sensible, especially if the team doesn’t look like a contender by midseason. Anthopoulos has a history of moving on from aging stars at the right time, and dealing Ozuna could bring back meaningful assets before he walks in free agency.
Although no decision is imminent, Ozuna stands out as a logical trade candidate if Atlanta’s season takes a turn for the worse.
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