Let the farewells on digital platforms begin Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Braves, Marcell Ozuna Exchange Farewell Messages on Social Media

Originally posted on Atlanta Braves on SI
By Harrison Smajovits | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 8:56 AM ET

Another longtime member of the Atlanta Braves has departed for a new chapter. Like with other players who have signed elsewhere, the tradition of some type of than you or farewell message online continues.

Ozuna posted a video of celebrations with his teammates and coaches, some moments of himself at the plate and capped it off with a thank you to the fans at the end.

"Thank you Braves country," he said Sunday along with the video on Instagram. "You'll forever be in my heart."

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Ozuna recently signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $12 million. It comes with a $16 million mutual option for the 2027 season. The Braves opted not to sign Ozuna after six seasons with the orgnization.

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“He was great in the month of April, even his May numbers were really good, but in April, he was elite,” Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said last week. “But he got banged up with the hip early, and he was able to overcome that, but I think it impacted his year. I’m excited that he got a spot. I think he’ll do great things for the Pirates, as well.”

Ozuna played with the Braves from 2020 to 2025. He batted .265 with an .836 OPS, 148 home runs and 410 RBIs. He received MVP votes twice, including a fourth-place finish during his All-Star season in 2024.

The Braves will not utilize a full time designated hitter in 2026. They'll rotate different members between their usual positions and the DH role. It will allow some flexibility to mix and match on Walt Weiss end.

Mike Yastrzemski and Jurickson Profar seem set to take on a bulk of the role, but they'll see time in the outfield. The former is set to play other parts of the outfield when Weiss wants to give Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II what he calls a half day. The bat stays in the lineup, but their body gets some rest for time in the field.