As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Atlanta Braves are expected to be sellers.
At the All-Star break, they trail the Philadelphia Phillies by 12.5 games in the NL East and are 9.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot behind the San Diego Padres.
With several playoff contenders likely seeking a power bat for the middle of their lineup, Marcell Ozuna — an impending free agent — could attract significant trade interest.
Reds Could Show Interest in Ozuna
Aside from star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds may need to add another power hitter to strengthen their lineup for a possible playoff push.
On Saturday, Garrett Kerman of Clutch Points floated a trade scenario that would bring Marcell Ozuna—who has 12 home runs so far in 2025—to Cincinnati.
“Ozuna has been a consistent power threat in the Braves’ lineup since joining the team. Through 88 games this season, he’s batting .236 with 12 homers and 41 RBIs,” Kerman wrote.
“Although his recent stats don’t quite match his All-Star-level performances in 2023 and 2024, advanced analytics show he’s still producing at a high level. With a hard-hit rate near 50% and an average exit velocity over 91 mph, his power remains elite. For a Reds team that ranks poorly in outfield OPS, Ozuna could provide a major boost.”
Ozuna, 34, is a three-time All-Star but missed the Braves’ 2021 World Series run due to a suspension stemming from domestic violence charges. In 30 career playoff games, he has a .250 average with five home runs and a .724 OPS.
Kerman noted that Ozuna is in the final year of a five-year, $80 million contract and is still owed around $65 million with incentives. While that’s a hefty price tag, Cincinnati has the payroll flexibility to take it on—especially with the team needing a reliable run producer.
“The Reds’ outfield has battled injuries and inconsistency, and the absence of a dependable power bat has been a clear weakness as they fight for a Wild Card spot,” Kerman added.
Why the Braves May Consider Moving Ozuna
The Atlanta Braves are no longer in the playoff picture and may look to take advantage of their situation by adding young, cost-controlled players.
While a full rebuild seems unlikely with Ronald Acuña Jr. still leading the team, the Braves could benefit from reshaping their roster for the future. Trading Marcell Ozuna would be a logical first step in that process.
“Dealing Ozuna would be difficult for Atlanta, but it may be the smart move given the team’s injuries and fading postseason hopes,” Garrett Kerman explained.
Although the Braves have been hesitant to part with players signed through 2025 and beyond, Ozuna is set to become a free agent and could be an exception. Moving him now would allow the Braves to bring in younger talent and free up payroll flexibility moving forward.
The Trade Proposal
In Garrett Kerman’s trade proposal, the Cincinnati Reds would send third baseman Noelvi Marte, right-hander Nick Martinez, and their No. 3 prospect, infielder Sal Stewart, to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Marcell Ozuna.
Marte, a former top-30 prospect, offers versatility across the infield for Atlanta. Martinez, who can serve as either a starter or reliever, is set to hit free agency after the season. Meanwhile, Stewart, 21, is having a strong year at Double-A Chattanooga, hitting .306/.377/.473 with 10 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts.
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