It seems that the Atlanta Braves are ready to move on from designated hitter and free agent Marcell Ozuna after the aging slugger's underwhelming 2025 season. According to The Athletic's David O'Brien, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos prefers "to leave DH open and split the duties, rather than acquire a full-time DH like Ozuna."
That's a concerning plan on its face when you consider the lack of depth in the Braves' current lineup. The franchise needs to add at least one noteworthy slugger to the lineup, even if that isn't Ozuna, who's currently looking for a 2026 contract. While Atlanta's front office is leaving the door open to a reunion, it is clear, reading between the lines, that a re-signing is incredibly unlikely.
Marcell Ozuna's Time with Braves is Likely Over
Bringing back Ozuna doesn't make sense if you're planning to utilize the DH spot for multiple players. Ozuna is a liability in the field at this stage of his career and will only be used as a designated hitter or pinch-hitting option. Even if the Braves are being genuine and are open to re-signing the veteran, the comments made are likely to push the slugger away from Atlanta.
Re-signing only to be relegated to a bench and part-time designated hitter role simply doesn't make sense. This is one last opportunity for Ozuna to cash in on free agency and rebuild value after a down 2025 season. Making it clear that neither side seems very likely to chase down a reunion.
For the Braves, this is a bit of a concern with the current lineup already having holes at shortstop and second, with Ozzie Albies continuing to struggle. Still, it is the right decision not to bring Ozuna back, opening up salary space and allowing the Braves to seek out a potential upgrade at the position. Most notably, the team is likely going to use this as an excuse to keep Sean Murphy and put Drake Baldwin in a DH role.
It does make a level of sense if the Braves are going to double down on Murphy to keep his defense behind the plate and bring in a third catcher that allows both players to be consistently in the lineup. Baldwin and Ronald Acuña Jr. both make sense as potential options at the position. The 2023 National League MVP has already dealt with two serious knee injuries in his career, and taking him out of the field every few days will reduce the wear and tear.
For Baldwin, the catcher is solid behind the plate but still doesn't offer the defense of Murphy despite having a far superior bat. Putting the catcher in the lineup every night as a left-handed designated hitter goes a long way in balancing out Atlanta's lineup.
All of this paints a clear picture as to why the team appears ready to move on from Ozuna and look in a different direction.