Just when it looked like the San Diego Padres might strike out on acquiring Boston’s Jarren Duran, a new name has entered the mix—and it might be an even better fit. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Marcell Ozuna could be on the move from Atlanta, and the Padres are firmly in play.
The twist Ozuna has 10-and-5 rights, meaning he can veto any trade thanks to 10 years in the league and 5 with the same team. But Nightengale’s report changes the narrative—Ozuna is now expected to approve a trade if he’s guaranteed everyday playing time.
And suddenly, the Padres’ odds of landing a middle-of-the-lineup bat just skyrocketed.
Ozuna Wants Starts — San Diego Can Offer Them
The 33-year-old slugger recently lost his starting role with the Atlanta Braves, and for a player who’s been a key offensive piece in recent years, riding the bench isn’t part of the plan. But in San Diego, there’s a clear path to everyday at-bats, especially at designated hitter—and that’s exactly where Ozuna could thrive.
Pairing Ozuna with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado would give the Padres a legitimate three-headed monster at the plate. And if Gavin Sheets holds down left field, Ozuna slots seamlessly into the DH role.
His 2025 numbers—a .232 average, 13 homers, 42 RBIs, and a .742 OPS in 95 games—aren’t quite at the level of his explosive 2023 (.904 OPS) and 2024 (.924 OPS) seasons, but the power is still very real. And if he heats up in a new environment? Watch out.
A Rental With Upside—and Low Cost
Even better for San Diego, Ozuna is a rental, which means the cost to acquire him at the deadline won’t gut the farm system. For a team still clawing to stay in the NL Wild Card race, this is exactly the kind of move that could swing momentum.
As it stands, Ozuna’s .742 OPS would rank third-best on the team—only behind Tatis and Machado—which says more about the Padres’ current offensive struggles than it does about Ozuna’s ceiling. But that’s the point. This team needs help now, and Ozuna checks a lot of boxes: veteran experience, playoff-tested, and still capable of 25+ home runs a year.
Padres Have a Shot
Whether it’s Duran, Ozuna, or another surprise bat before the deadline, the Padres have to act. But based on Nightengale’s report, the Ozuna-to-San Diego buzz just got a lot louder.
And with the Braves no longer offering him a full-time role, the door is wide open for San Diego to make their move.
