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Marcell Ozuna’s Future Decided at MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on EasySportz | By Jackson Fryburger | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 8:20 AM ET

THE BATTERY, ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves opted to keep designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as the MLB trade deadline passed at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31, 2025, ensuring the slugger remains a Brave for the rest of the season. Ozuna, dressed and ready, will be in the lineup Thursday evening against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Despite a disappointing 45-62 record and a season plagued by injuries, the Braves chose not to trade Ozuna, whose mid-summer hip injury significantly lowered his trade value. The 38-year-old, a free agent at season’s end, struggled with a .176 batting average and .600 OPS since June 1, a sharp decline from his .426 OBP and .883 OPS through May. The hip issue, though declared resolved by Ozuna and manager Brian Snitker, raised concerns among potential suitors, limiting trade interest.

The Braves’ decision reflects their desire to maintain a clubhouse leader and power bat in a lineup desperate for offense. Atlanta ranks among the league’s worst in outfield OPS (.650) and has struggled since the All-Star Break.. Ozuna, despite his recent slump, offers a slash line above league average, and hit two home runs in Kansas City this week, signaling a potential resurgence.

The pregame clubhouse session just ended. Ozuna is dressing at his locker and Iglesias is casually walking around. Trade Deadline expires in 80 minutes
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 31, 2025

Pitching injuries have decimated the Braves, with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver on the injured list. The team added starters Erick Fedde and Carlos Carrasco this week to bolster the rotation but refused to part with controllable assets like Ozzie Albies or Michael Harris II. Trading Ozuna, a rental player, would have yielded minimal returns, as noted by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, who reported the Braves aimed to add organizational depth without dismantling their core.

Social media buzz on X reflected fan frustration, with posts like @KingZynry’s “Ozuna in the lineup = no trade” lamenting the Braves’ reluctance to sell. Yet, others, including @Tim_Brindle, noted the team’s choice to prioritize lineup stability over benching Ozuna for rookie catcher Drake Baldwin. The Braves view Ozuna’s veteran presence as vital for a clubhouse navigating a lost season.

As Atlanta faces the Reds, Ozuna’s bat could spark a late-season push, though FanGraphs pegs their playoff odds at a mere 3.7%. With Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined by a calf strain, Ozuna’s power remains a rare bright spot. The Braves, looking ahead to 2026, bank on his leadership to guide a roster poised for a healthier return.

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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