Arguably, the biggest surprise of the trade deadline was the Atlanta Braves opting to keep the expiring contract of Marcell Ozuna. For the last month of the season, it seemed the writing was on the wall; this was the end for the beloved Braves slugger.
Ozuna's offensive numbers were heading in the wrong direction, and the emergence of Drake Baldwin created a problem. Atlanta didn't have the room in the lineup to feature Sean Murphy, Ozuna, and Baldwin. This led to Brian Snitker benching the veteran and moving forward with both catchers in the lineup, alternating at the DH spot.
This lasted a short time before Snitker started giving Ozuna more chances in the lineup. A piece of this was believed to be a want to shop the veteran, attempting to build trade value. It was a failed attempt with no team making an offer good enough to garner Atlanta's attention. With this in mind, Ozuna was put into tonight's starting lineup, now having the security of knowing where he was going to finish the 2025 season.
Marcell Ozuna Makes a Statement After Braves Surprising Decision
Whether it was the trade deadline passing or simply a hot night, Ozuna was a different player on Thursday night. The veteran worked three walks, scored three runs, and drove in the game-winning run in extra innings. It is impossible to overlook the performance given how uninspired the slugger's offensive numbers have been in recent weeks. When the season first started, this is how Ozuna approached each game.
Incredible patience resulted in consistent walks in the first weeks of Atlanta's season for Ozuna. The slugger took the new approach to heart and was constantly on base even as the rest of the offense struggled. Thursday's performance served as a reminder of this and what the veteran can be at his best. With both Murphy and Baldwin remaining under contract, it will be interesting to watch how many at-bats Ozuna earns to end the season.
The Braves keeping the veteran opens the door for a 2026 reunion based on what goes on with Atlanta's catchers. It is at least now a consideration that Ozuna is in Atlanta to stay and has a chance to make a defining impression in the final two months of a lost season.