The Atlanta Braves are hoping to avoid becoming trade deadline sellers, but that could wind up becoming their only choice.
At 32-39, the Braves are one of the biggest disappointments of the Major League Baseball season so far. They’ve got the talent to go on a run, but if they’re virtually out of the playoff race by late July, selling is the responsible option.
Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna would be a big prize for a team looking to add offense. He’s lost a bit of power this season while dealing with a hip injury, but he’s making up for it with a .389 on-base percentage and career-high 17.4 percent walk rate.
On Wednesday, MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand named Ozuna among his list of “prime trade candidates” for this year’s deadline, and listed three intriguing potential destinations for the three-time All-Star.
“The Braves don’t have much of a history of being sellers, but given their current place in the standings – 12 games back in the NL East and seven games out of a Wild Card spot – it wouldn’t be a shock if Atlanta began looking toward 2026,” Feinsand wrote.
“The Braves have a handful of expiring contracts, but given the lack of power hitters expected to be available between now and July 31, Ozuna could bring back the best return as a rental. Potential fits: (Cleveland) Guardians, (Texas) Rangers, (Detroit) Tigers.”
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Cleveland has lacked a second slugger to pair with third baseman José Ramírez all season, but the main obstacle could be adding the remainder of Ozuna’s $16 million salary to the books.
Texas, meanwhile, has had one of the most shockingly futile offenses in baseball. Ozuna could certainly help, but one has to wonder if they’ll be in a strong enough position in the standings to consider themselves buyers.
Detroit has the best record in the American League and could use a veteran presence in what is generally a young offense with a little less thump than some of their fellow contenders.
Whether or not the Braves trade Ozuna will be one of the storylines of the trade deadline, and how the team plays over the next few weeks will be the number-one determining factor.
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