The clock is ticking on Marcell Ozuna’s time in Atlanta. Trade chatter around the Braves’ designated hitter has been swirling for weeks, and now a new report has put a potential deal squarely in motion. According to insider Héctor Gómez, a Braves-Padres trade involving Ozuna is gaining momentum — and the two sides could be inching closer to a deal.
While nothing is confirmed, the buzz surrounding this specific rumor has fans — and insiders — paying close attention.
Ozuna’s Role Shrinking as Trade Deadline Looms
Ozuna has already lost his everyday spot in the Braves lineup. With Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin now splitting DH and catching duties, the offense has found more rhythm — and Ozuna has found more time riding the pine.
Add in his hip issues earlier this season, inconsistent timing at the plate, and the fact that he’s a pending free agent, the Braves are unlikely to re-sign, and it’s no surprise the front office is actively shopping him.
And to be blunt, Atlanta’s front office knows a player with Ozuna’s streaky power — even if he’s slumping — can still appeal to a contender needing a jolt at DH. Enter: the San Diego Padres.
A Classic Braves Deadline Deal?
Per Gómez’s report, the current trade buzz involves two near-ready pitching prospects heading to Atlanta in exchange for Ozuna — a move that fits Alex Anthopoulos’ typical deadline profile. Think cost-controlled arms with upside, not flashy names. That’s the mold.
From the Padres’ side, this would be a classic AJ Preller move: take a gamble on a bat that could catch fire. Ozuna may not be the most consistent threat anymore, but when he’s hot, he melts baseballs. San Diego — still clawing in the NL Wild Card race — could use exactly that kind of risk-reward piece for the stretch run.
Smoke or Fire? We’ll Know Soon
This time of year, fans know the drill: not every rumor holds water. But this one has a little more weight than most. Gómez has a strong track record, and with both Anthopoulos and Preller known for striking early before the market frenzy peaks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this go from rumor to reality very quickly.
If the Braves can land a couple of arms they trust in the upper minors, and the Padres believe Ozuna can spark a run, this is the kind of low-risk, high-upside deal that makes sense for both clubs. Eyes now turn to the transaction wire — because if this smoke turns into fire, Ozuna could be heading west any day now.
