With the Atlanta Braves facing a challenging season, with a record of 42-53, the possibility of the team becoming a seller at the Trade Deadline is increasingly latent. However, the transfer options could be restricted, as the management would not be willing to negotiate with players under contract beyond 2025.
In this scenario, the Dominican Marcell Ozuna’s name emerges as a potential key piece for a trade. The designated hitter, who has the remainder of his US$16 million salary pending for 2025, has a full no-trade clause, thanks to his 10 and 5 rights (ten years in MLB, five with the same team).
Ozuna would be willing to waive said clause, thus opening the door to a possible transaction.
Despite a slight decrease in his production this season (115 OPS+), Ozuna maintains a solid on-base percentage of .366 and has been a consistent source of power, with 79 combined home runs between 2023 and 2024. This profile makes him an attractive option for teams contending for the playoffs looking to bolster their offense.
In addition to Ozuna, other upcoming free agents on Atlanta’s roster are Cuban closer Raisel Iglesias, who also earns US$16 million this season and has recently stood out with 14 consecutive scoreless appearances, and reliever Rafael Montero.
