While the Atlanta Braves' decision-making has been far from perfect over the last year, there is no faulting the team for parting ways with Marcell Ozuna. The slugger often defined Atlanta's offense during his tenure, but struggled in the 2025 season, leading to his departure in free agency and signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The veteran has struck out 78 times in 231 at-bats this season and hovered around the Mendoza line, watching his power numbers notably regress.
It is a reminder of just how wise the Braves were to part ways with the aging slugger, and the opportunity opened up for the rest of the lineup. Dominic Smith and Drake Baldwin both greatly benefited from the newfound flexibility, giving Atlanta the ability to utilize the DH position as well to help keep Ronald Acuna Jr. healthy once he returned back into the fold.
For Ozuna, this is in no way to discredit what he previously meant to the Braves lineup. There were times when the offense would struggle, and it appeared that the veteran was an offense unto himself. Ozuna drove in 204 runs and hit 79 homers in the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined. This is undeniably elite production that made it all the more difficult to decide to turn the page from the aging star.
Marcell Ozuna's 2026 Struggles Prove that the Braves Made the Right Decision
Ozuna isn't in a great lineup in Pittsburgh, but he has struggled to the point that he is more of a platoon option and cannot be relied on in any meaningful role. The only reason the Pirates haven't given up completely is due to the level of investment, paying Ozuna $12 million for the 2026 season as the prized free agency addition.
With this in mind, Braves fans can look back on the tenure of Ozuna with fondness while also appreciating a savvy front office that parted ways with the star at the right moment. As much energy and fun as Ozuna brings to the clubhouse, there is no excusing his current level of offensive output when you're unable to play in the field and are utilized strictly as a DH.
It will be interesting to see if Ozuna is able to turn it around in the final two months of the season and if how the Braves continue to utilize the DH position. No matter the answer, there is no denying the Braves made the right decision.
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