Report: Braves listening on Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, and others

Despite saying about a month ago that the Braves would not be selling ahead of the trade deadline, Alex Anthopoulos seems to have recognized what we all have over the last several weeks. This team is not a contender, especially after the injuries to Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach. Selling is the only option now; the bigger question is — what are the Braves willing to sell?

Sean Murphy would undoubtedly command a haul if the Braves were to make him available. He’s one of the best all-around catchers in the sport and on a more than palatable contract for several years. According to Jim Bowden, multiple teams have already inquired about Murphy’s availability. However, it appears Alex Anthopoulos remains hesitant to part with core players who are under long-term control, despite the team’s current trajectory.

“Atlanta has not discussed Sale in trade talks and will not consider moving the left-hander or any other player under control beyond 2025, according to major-league sources,” Robert Murray reported last week for Fansided.

USA Today’s Bob Nightingale then doubled down today on the Braves resistance to trade away core players ahead of the deadline.

“Atlanta are making DH Marcell Ozuna, reliever Raisel Iglesias and a few others available at the deadline, but they have no intention to trade any player under a multi-year contract, at least not until this winter. Ozuna has 10-and-5 rights so he can reject any deal.”

This has been Alex Anthopoulos’ public stance for a while now, but it hardly feels like the most prudent way to run a baseball team. Any club that’s ten games under .500 and littered with holes throughout the roster should be more than willing to consider just about anything.

If the Braves refuse to part ways with any of their core pieces, there won’t be a lot of fireworks at the trade deadline. However, it does set up for what could be an incredibly entertaining offseason.