Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Marcell Ozuna Opens Up on World Baseball Classic Snub

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 8:14 PM ET

Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna has spoken out about his absence from the World Baseball Classic, revealing frustration and disappointment after being left off the Dominican Republic roster despite a career year in 2023.

In a candid interview, Ozuna made it clear that his omission from the team was not by choice but rather a decision made by others—one that left him questioning his standing within Dominican baseball.

“I said I wasn’t going to the Classic, and I’m not going,” Ozuna stated. “Why? Because those are my decisions. When I wanted to go, I was not chosen to go to the Clásico, where I thought I deserved to be.”

Ozuna, 33, put up MVP-caliber numbers last season, slashing .302 with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs. Yet, despite being one of the top Dominican-born hitters in the game, he was not invited to represent his country on the international stage.

‘It Hurts Me’

Ozuna acknowledged that being overlooked was a personal blow, especially given his past dedication to Dominican baseball.

“I’m sorry, my country, that I’m not going to represent the flag,” he said. “But when they didn’t invite me, I said no. I had one of the best seasons of my career, and from there, I said, the Clásico doesn’t make me better than I am.”

While some Dominican players see the Classic as the pinnacle of national pride, Ozuna believes it can also create undue pressure on players, making it difficult for a team full of stars to gel.

“Everyone wants to be a hero, you know? That’s where it gets a little complicated, because everyone wants to give it their all to win,” he explained. “So, let them have fun. When they go to the Classic, let them have fun and enjoy the game.”

No Going Back

Even with Dominican baseball icons like Albert Pujols and Juan Marichal advocating for the national team, Ozuna made it clear that his decision was final.

“It hurts me because I’m not going to represent my flag, but in reality, I represent the flag here in Ando Palo, in Ando Liga,” Ozuna said, referring to his dominance at the plate in Major League Baseball.

For Ozuna, his absence from the 2025 WBC is not just about a roster snub—it’s about respect. And for now, he’ll continue to let his bat do the talking.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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