Struggling to keep pace in the NL East, the Atlanta Braves could be forced to shift gears at the trade deadline. They’re already 14.5 games behind the first-place New York Mets, and a run to the top feels increasingly unlikely. If Atlanta chooses to sell, the options may be limited—but one name stands out as a potential trade chip.
Marcell Ozuna Could Be Atlanta Braves’ Top Trade Piece
At 34 years old, designated hitter Marcell Ozuna is in the final guaranteed year of his contract. Since joining the Braves in 2020, he’s delivered plenty of big moments—including during the team’s 2021 World Series run. Now, his time in Atlanta could be nearing its end as the Braves may consider moving him at the deadline.
Ozuna has already played for the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, and if dealt, from Atlanta, it would be to his fourth team. His $16 million salary for 2025 stems from an accepted club option. Still, he’s in a contract year, which means acquiring teams wouldn’t be locked into a long-term commitment. That makes him especially appealing to contenders looking to add a bat without long-term risk.
Early potential trade targets:
Luis Garcia Jr.
Josh Bell
Marcell Ozuna
Sandy Alcantara
David Bednar
Cedric Mullins
Ryan O’Hearn
Ryan Mountcastle
Aroldis Chapman
Lenyn Sosa
Shane Smith
JJ Bleday
Miguel Andujar
Taylor WardAnd what about Robert Jr? đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/CdY0uZ4oTz
— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) June 10, 2025
Teams in win-now mode could benefit from Ozuna’s production. And if he delivers down the stretch, a short-term deal or club option could follow. As rumors circulate about possible replacements, Ozuna’s name is already popping up on early trade target lists.
Ozuna’s Bat Is Still Producing at a High Level
While his peak came with the Marlins in 2017, Ozuna proved in 2024 that he still has plenty left in the tank. He finished last season with a .302 batting average—his first time over .300 since that 2017 campaign, excluding the shortened 2020 season.
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His .925 OPS in 2024 was the highest of his career, edging out his .924 mark from 2017. While it fell short of the 1.067 OPS from his red-hot 2020 run, the larger sample size makes his recent performance more meaningful. His 39 home runs and 104 RBIs also approached his 2023 totals, reinforcing his consistent power at the plate.
Atlanta’s Collapse Could Force a Decision
Since May 16, when the Braves were 24-23, the team has gone 4-15. A promising bounce-back from a 0-7 start has quickly turned into a freefall. Atlanta has now dropped 15 of its last 19 games, putting the front office in a tough spot as July approaches.
Ozuna has been one of the few consistent pieces this year. He’s missed only three games and is one of five Braves with more than 200 at-bats. He ranks third on the team in home runs (10), fourth in RBIs (30), and leads in walks. His .818 OPS is the best among qualified hitters on the roster, and his 1.5 WAR adds even more trade value.
If the Braves decide to sell, Ozuna might be their best bet to bring back a meaningful return—especially for a team looking for a veteran bat with playoff experience.