Since the MLB Trade Deadline, Ozuna has looked much closer to his 2023 form, batting .333 with a 1.226 OPS, three homers, and six RBIs in eight games. That surge has fueled speculation over whether the Atlanta Braves could have moved him for value last month. Now, a new wrinkle suggests they might have tried.
Braves Attempted Three Trades, Got Three Vetoes
Braves insider Ryan Cothran responded to a tweet about Ozuna’s trade value, claiming the Braves attempted to deal him to three teams — and that Ozuna vetoed all of them. The revelation is intriguing given GM Alex Anthopoulos’ public statement that the team didn’t approach Ozuna for a trade. Both could technically be true: discussions may have occurred without direct involvement from Ozuna until a deal was near completion.
The Athletic’s David O’Brien reported that Ozuna was leaving any deadline decisions “out of his hands,” deferring to his agent and Anthopoulos. But with 10-and-5 rights (10 years in the majors, the last five with the same team), Ozuna had the contractual power to block any trade — and apparently used it.
MLB Market Likely Limited
If Cothran’s report is accurate, the three clubs in question may have been the only serious suitors, with offers strong enough for Atlanta to consider. The reasons behind Ozuna’s vetoes remain unknown, and any speculation would be just that. But even with interest, it’s possible the overall market for the 33-year-old slugger was thin, especially given his contract and streaky production.
The Braves ultimately made just one trade — sending Rafael Montero elsewhere — while adding other pieces for a postseason push. Anthopoulos has long maintained the team wouldn’t move players simply for a salary dump, and Ozuna’s situation seems to fit that philosophy.
For now, the focus shifts to what Ozuna can do down the stretch. If he keeps swinging like he has since August 1, his value — whether to Atlanta or on the free-agent market this winter — could climb quickly.
