The Atlanta Braves are showing signs of life after a poor start to the season. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and are just two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.
However, despite their recent play, the Braves do not look like contenders among the best teams in the National League, at least not right now. If the trade deadline comes around and the Braves are falling out of contention, or if they think a pitching addition could propel them, according to FanSided’s Steven Teal, they could look to trade impending free agent Marcell Ozuna.
“It’s hard to imagine Ozuna wouldn’t re-sign with the Braves, but it’s certainly a possibility he won’t,” wrote Teal. “Atlanta could use him to get a much-needed upgrade in the bullpen or rotation to put them over the top. I hardly imagine Alex Anthopoulos would be keen on trading away such an important offensive piece unless absolutely necessary.”
Ozuna is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. He is off to a great start despite the Braves’ struggles as a team. He is slashing .295/.452/.500 with five home runs. However, it’s his ability to draw walks that is really impressive.
“Most impressively is the insanely high walk rate Ozuna carries this season. He has 26 walks to 23 strikeouts,” wrote Teal. “His 23.6% walk rate is the best in baseball and the highest of his career. There’s a chance this dips at some point, but his plate discipline has been out of this world and is a big reason why he has the second-best on-base percentage in the majors behind Aaron Judge.”
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Losing Ozuna would be a huge blow, but if the Braves do not see a path to the postseason, they might be wise to deal him. On the other hand, once the Braves get Ronald Acuña Jr. back, they may be more comfortable parting with Ozuna in exchange for an elite pitcher. Ozuna is going to be a free agent after the season, and Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $77 million deal in free agency.
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