The Atlanta Braves are 27-31 and 9 1/2 games back of the New York Mets in the National League East. They could end up becoming sellers at the deadline.
If the Braves are in striking distance of a Wild Card, they make some moves that keep them competitive, but are more geared to the future. That could mean parting ways with an expiring contract. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell tabbed Marcell Ozuna as a player who “will be lucky to survive” the July 31 trade deadline.
“For one, the veteran slugger is unlikely to remain with the Braves beyond this season unless Atlanta is willing to overpay to retain him,” wrote Pressnell. “When he hits the market, especially coming off another solid season, there’s a good chance he’s looking for a massive deal in free agency. The Braves don’t have the payroll flexibility to hand an aging designated hitter a massive deal no matter how well he’s playing.”
Ozuna is practically unplayable in the field at this point in his career. However, teams will be interested in an elite designated hitter near the deadline. Ozuna is in the final year of a $65 million deal he signed four seasons ago. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger.
“If he lands on the trade block, there are only a few teams who would realistically go after him unless he’s willing and able to slide back into the outfield,” wrote Pressnell. “Given his age and worn down body, it’s unlikely that’s the case. Still, he would receive quite a lot of attention from a few teams if the Braves opt to shop him.”
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Ozuna is leading baseball in walks right now and has a .901 OPS this season. He has hit 10 home runs and has a .284 batting average. He can be a key player on any championship contender.
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