Going into the trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves were expected to establish themselves as clear sellers with a number of possible veteran contracts that could be dealt. Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy, and Marcell Ozuna were all involved in trade rumors or speculation. None of this group would be dealt with veteran reliever Rafael Montero being the only piece Atlanta opted to move at the deadline.
Despite being nearly 20 games below .500, the Braves decided that sticking with the current roster was the way to go. It is yet another reason for fans to question the direction of the franchise.
Atlanta had every reason for a sense of urgency over the last few days. Whether this was selling away pieces to add a star to help brighten the future, or selling expiring deals, a move was expected. Choosing to sit with what is a failing group just continues to add to the feeling that the Braves are stuck in neutral. It seems the front office and ownership are content signing bargain deals and letting star players walk away if these expectations aren't met. While contenders are spending, the Braves are content to hope things fall their way.
The Braves' Silence at the Deadline Leaves Obvious Concern
Anthopoulos said he never approached Ozuna with a request to waive his 10-5 rights. Like with Iglesias, he never found a deal that made sense. He made it clear he wasn't looking to just dump salaries. The return had to have future benefits.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 31, 2025
Atlanta must realize the sense of urgency that should've already set in with how the last two seasons have gone. Losing franchise players each offseason has become a constant of this front office. Since the Braves' 2021 World Series run, the franchise is content to take a step back in spending. Losing Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton aren't moves you can't recover from. However, if you're not spending to even attempt this, it sets up exactly what has happened this season.
Losing Ron Washington's influence and leadership hurt as well, all compiling into the mess the season has become. With this in mind, the Braves should've had a far better plan at the deadline and approached it with far more urgency. Even a bottom prospect is better than retaining expiring contracts and allowing them to walk away for nothing in return. It isn't as if keeping struggling veterans is going to boost a team competing for the National League East basement.
This leads to more fan concern and frustration as to where exactly the franchise is going. A front office that was once respected is quickly losing all trust. No matter who is to blame, there is no denying this season continues to go impossibly awful.