Marcell Ozuna Trade? Why Latest Braves Rumors Make Perfect Sense

Newsweek

19-07-2025

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Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently suggested the Atlanta Braves would look to trade former MVP candidate Marcell Ozuna in the coming weeks and listed the San Diego Padres as the best landing spot in a potential deal.
"The Braves might not opt to sell aggressively, but moving Ozuna makes perfect sense in the final season of his five-year, $80 million deal," Reuter wrote. "His lack of defensive value limits his list of potential landing spots, but in a thin market for bats, he is one of the few capable of making an impact with a 115 OPS+ and 13 home runs in 389 plate appearances.
"The Padres have been using Trenton Brooks as their primary designated hitter for the past month, and he is hitting .167/.189/.306 for a 35 OPS+ with 13 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances."
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 2: Austin Riley #27 and Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate following the 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Truist Park on July 2, 2025 in Atlanta,...
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 2: Austin Riley #27 and Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate following the 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Truist Park on July 2, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. MoreThis idea makes perfect sense for both sides.
The Braves are seemingly out of postseason contention after a horrendous first half of the season, but their roster isn't bad. Ozuna's contract expires at the end of the season, and it's unlikely Atlanta wants to give an aging designated hitter a huge contract. Trading him before he hits free agency is the right move.
For the Padres, it's crucial they add a designated hitter who can do damage and help protect Fernando Tatis Jr. and company in the middle of the lineup. Ozuna would be the best option on the table, so he should be the top player on their list of options.
Since he's an expiring designated hitter, it likely wouldn't cost any top prospects for the Padres to acquire him. San Diego could cut ties with one or two mid-level prospects for half a season of Ozuna's services, and it would help close the gap on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.
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