The Atlanta Braves didn’t just start the 2025 season with optimism — they entered it with a quiet belief that this was their year.
They had the firepower: a deep lineup, experienced pitching, and a front office built for success. Everything pointed toward a strong run — until it all started to unravel.
Now sitting at 27-37 as of Monday, and riding a seven-game losing streak, Atlanta is getting hit with a harsh dose of reality.
A comeback isn’t out of the question, but the current momentum paints a grim picture. It’s not impossible — just increasingly unlikely.
Firmly below the .500 mark in a National League that demands more than average, the Braves are quickly losing ground in the playoff race.
Each defeat feels like another brick added to the wall keeping them out of October — and that wall’s getting taller by the day.
If things don’t change soon, the unthinkable might happen: the Braves could be sellers at the trade deadline.
Marcell Ozuna could be the Braves’ most valuable chip
If Atlanta decides to throw in the towel, all attention will shift to slugger Marcell Ozuna — and rightfully so.
At 34, Ozuna might not offer much with the glove, but his bat still packs a punch. He’s like a classic sports car: not built for rough conditions, but still able to turn heads and blow past the competition when the road is clear.
This season, he’s batting .257 with an impressive .397 on-base percentage and a .430 slugging percentage — translating to a stellar 137 wRC+.
With 10 home runs already and an elite 18.7% walk rate, he’s showing excellent plate discipline and power.
In short: he reaches base, hits with authority, and controls the strike zone — a skill set that could instantly boost any contender looking for middle-of-the-lineup firepower.
What the Braves might want in return
Ozuna’s trade appeal comes down to two main factors: he’s producing at the plate and he’s on an expiring deal.
That combo means he won’t command a massive return — but he won’t come cheap either.
As noted by Fansided’s Robert Murray, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is famously tight-lipped, so don’t expect details to leak about what it might cost to get Ozuna.
Still, a blockbuster haul of prospects isn’t likely. Given Ozuna’s age, contract situation, and defensive shortcomings, a huge return isn’t realistic — but a couple promising young players? Absolutely possible.
Teams won’t need to empty their farm systems to acquire him, which only boosts his trade appeal.
Contenders that should be making calls
If you’re a general manager dealing with a lackluster designated hitter, it’s time to pick up the phone.
Teams like the Mariners, Astros, Giants, and Padres all stand out as logical landing spots for Ozuna’s potent bat.
Seattle and Houston, in particular, might have serious interest in the slugger, despite his polarizing reputation.
With both clubs still eyeing the playoffs and struggling to find consistent offense, the match is hard to overlook.
San Diego, known for bold moves, could also be in play if they remain contenders in the NL.
Even teams with already-strong lineups might view Ozuna as a valuable insurance policy — a game-changing bat for the postseason.
If the Braves fall further, the choice is clear
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Atlanta’s front office.
Should they hold out hope and weather a tough season, or sell off key pieces before their value drops?
Marcell Ozuna offers a unique opportunity — a veteran power bat performing at a high level, and on an expiring deal.
At 34, he’s strictly a short-term upgrade, ideal for a playoff contender aiming for a deep run.
But if the Braves decide October is out of reach, shifting from contention to retooling might be the smarter path.
And if so, Ozuna could be the first — and most valuable — asset to move.
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