The Atlanta Braves reached their day of reckoning at the trade deadline. Atlanta entered the season with high hopes but is firmly out of the playoff picture with a 46-63 record entering Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds in Bristol, Tenn.
While Saturday’s game will be played at a NASCAR track, the Braves are coasting into the offseason. In fact, some would have preferred if general manager Alex Anthopoulos put his foot on the gas by dismantling an underachieving roster. But although a few former All-Stars survived the deadline, there’s one that will be seeing Atlanta in his rear-view mirror this winter.
Braves Slugger Marcell Ozuna Is as Good as Gone After This Season
Marcell Ozuna has become one of the fixtures of the Braves' lineup since arriving for the 2020 season. In six seasons, Ozuna has hit .267/.348/.494 with 142 homers and 390 RBI. But as the trade deadline approached, it felt like it was time to say goodbye.
Ozuna was coming off a pair of strong seasons, hitting .289/.364/.552 with 79 homers and 204 RBI between the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. He finished fourth in National League MVP voting a year ago and was cemented as one of the players Atlanta could count on entering this year.
Unfortunately, he’s been one of several disappointments. Ozuna is still an above-average hitter with an OPS+ of 115, but he’s also hitting just .233/.364/.395 with 15 homers and 48 RBI in 100 games.
With several other Braves, including Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II, underperforming, it would have made sense for Atlanta to throw in the towel and trade Ozuna at the deadline. Instead, the Braves kept Ozuna around even if his days are numbered.
As a full-time designated hitter, Ozuna may have a rebound season left in the tank. But at age 34, it could be the start of a decline. With his contract expiring after this season, it would have been a perfect time to get something for him, but eliminating the $16 million off their books could help the Braves address some of their deficiencies this winter.