After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Atlanta Braves are expected to make aggressive moves this offseason — and one major decision centers on designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
The veteran slugger, who used his 10-and-5 rights to veto trade offers last season, could finally be on his way out of Atlanta.
“It’s possible that while Anthopoulos was discussing trades, he couldn’t agree on a deal that Ozuna’s agent could also sign off on,” Sports Illustrated’s Harrison Smajovits wrote. “Just because Ozuna is leaving the deadline out of his hands doesn’t mean the 10-5 rights go out the window.”
Braves’ DH spot could open for a big bat
If Ozuna is not re-signed, the Braves may turn to one of baseball’s premier power hitters — Kyle Schwarber.
“With Marcell Ozuna set to depart in free agency, the Braves look like a logical landing spot for Schwarber with a clear need at designated hitter,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote.
Reuter also noted that the Braves previously resisted dealing from their catching depth, with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reporting that Atlanta “had no interest in trading Murphy and loved the Murphy/Baldwin tandem.”
However, if general manager Alex Anthopoulos decides to use that strength to clear salary or reposition the roster, Schwarber could become a legitimate target
A costly pursuit
The Phillies slugger won’t come cheap.
“According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber, the expectation is that Schwarber is seeking a five-year deal close to $30 million annually,” wrote TBOH’s Matt Davis. “That could end up around the $150 million range by the time he puts pen to paper.”
That price tag would make Schwarber one of the highest-paid designated hitters in baseball history — and a major commitment for a player turning 33 next season.
Could Schwarber outslug Ozuna?
Ozuna’s production dipped in 2025 after a career year the season prior, raising questions about whether Atlanta will continue to build around him. Schwarber, meanwhile, remains one of the game’s most prolific home run hitters and could provide a power boost from the left side.
If Anthopoulos finds a way to land Schwarber, the Braves would add another proven October performer to a lineup already featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley.
Bottom line: The Braves are determined to rebound from a rare down year. Whether that means keeping Ozuna or making a bold play for Schwarber, expect Atlanta to be active — and aggressive — when the offseason opens.
