When looking at the Atlanta Braves' pending 2026 free agent decisions, the need to turn the page from Marcell Ozuna becomes clear. The defensive liability was moved to DH seasons ago and only carries value if he is producing at a high level at the plate. Something that simply didn't happen after the first weeks of the 2025 season. Ozuna was an awful situational hitter and consistently appeared to be overmatched. The power numbers were on a decline along with the rest of the slugger's offensive stats.
It is a sad reality for a World Series champion who has meant a lot to the organization. Ozuna brings energy and joy to the clubhouse that the Braves badly needed. There is a notable lack of energizing personalities, and this piece of the designated hitter's game will be missed. However, Atlanta simply cannot ignore the .233 average heading into his age 35 season. The age, combined with the decline, makes it clear the Braves need to find another answer. It is money better spent on a younger piece who offers a bit more flexibility or a consistent offensive presence.
Braves Must Make Painful Decision and Turn the Page on Marcell Ozuna
It is a decision that has been obvious since early in the season when Ozuna's production first began to crater. There is an important context here that the aging hitter was playing through a hip injury throughout the 2025 season. How much this played into the struggles and inconsistent offensive performance is up for debate.
Even if this did play a major contributing role, Ozuna's tenure in Atlanta has been defined by high highs and low lows. There was a moment in the 2021-22 season when it appeared that the franchise was going ot be forced to eat a huge contract. Thankfully, Brian Snitker's frustrating patience and belief in Ozuna paid off, and things turned around with the 2023 and 2024 seasons both being examples of top-tier production from the position.
Still, this season was a reminder of how frustrating the past struggles have been and why the Braves cannot pay an aging player coming off such a tough season. Atlanta's ownership and front office have been frustratingly cheap over the past two years. If money were no object, it would make a level of sense to bring back Ozuna, as well as adding second options.
However, with money limited, Atlanta needs to shed failing or questionable pieces in favor of more proven options. This could mean parting ways with 3-4 pieces in favor of signing one great player. It is the type of moves the Braves must make throughout the 2026 offseason to reset after a dumpster fire of a season.
No question, Ozuna will remain a respected piece of the franchise, but it is time to move on and bring in fresh leadership and energy around what remains an impressive young core.