The Atlanta Braves are showing signs of life after a dreadful start to the 2025 season. They’ve won seven of their last 10 games, clawing their way out of an 0-7 hole to a 14-16 record. Though still below .500 and sitting in third place in the NL East, the Braves are gradually regaining momentum — and they’re doing it without 2023 MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., who is still on the mend.
Despite recent wins, the uphill battle remains steep. The Phillies, longtime Braves antagonists, and the Mets, currently six games ahead, present stiff competition. This version of Atlanta lacks the invincibility of past seasons, and roster holes left unaddressed by GM Alex Anthopoulos are beginning to show. There are also murmurs about how long manager Brian Snitker will remain in charge, particularly if the team can’t close the gap in the division.
If Atlanta’s season doesn’t turn around fast, difficult decisions loom — and one could involve trading All-Star designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
Ozuna’s Dominance — and Why That Makes Him Trade Bait
Ozuna has been nothing short of exceptional. In 2024, he delivered a career year (.302/.378/.546, 31 HRs, 104 RBIs), essentially carrying a depleted Braves offense. He’s started 2025 in similar fashion, slashing .915 OPS with five homers in 27 games, ranking in the 86th percentile in hard-hit rate and the 100th percentile in walk rate.
He’s a lock for an All-Star DH slot behind Shohei Ohtani, but even that doesn’t guarantee job security in Atlanta. Here’s why:
- Age and Contract: At 34 and in the final year of his deal, Ozuna is unlikely to be re-signed at a high cost — especially with a raise looming over the $16M he’s owed this year.
- Defensive Limitations: Ozuna is strictly a DH at this point, which lowers his long-term value, especially on a National League team trying to manage roster flexibility.
- Trade Value vs. Free Agency Loss: If Atlanta fades from playoff contention by July, Anthopoulos may look to move Ozuna to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency.
Anthopoulos is known for his timing — maximizing return before a player’s value declines. Trading Ozuna while his bat is hot and his contract is digestible could net a solid return, especially for a contender needing offensive firepower.
Outlook
The Braves aren’t sellers yet. But if their surge doesn’t continue — and if Acuña’s return doesn’t ignite a full turnaround — the front office might shift priorities. In that scenario, Marcell Ozuna becomes a logical trade chip: productive, desirable, but not essential to the Braves’ long-term core.
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