Alright, Atlanta Braves fans, let’s talk about a storyline that seemed like a foregone conclusion not too long ago—Marcell Ozuna’s time in Atlanta wrapping up after the 2024 season. But guess what? The Big Bear had other plans.
After an early 2023 offensive resurgence that nobody saw coming, Ozuna didn’t just revive his career—he roared back in a way that made the Braves take notice.
Ozuna’s Stunning Comeback Changes Everything
By the time 2024 wrapped, he wasn’t just good—he was fourth in the NL MVP voting. That’s the kind of turnaround that gets people talking. He was the only Braves player in the race for a 2024 Silver Slugger award.
With 79 homers over the past two seasons, the Braves simply couldn’t walk away from that kind of production. So they picked up his $16 million club option for 2025, a move that didn’t feel like a sure thing a year ago.
But now? The question shifts from “Will Ozuna stay in 2024?” to “Is 2025 the final chapter of Ozuna’s Atlanta story?”
The Braves’ Big Decision: Long-Term Gamble or Short-Term Solution?
Here’s where things get interesting. Ozuna originally signed a four-year, $64 million deal back in 2021, but thanks to the Braves exercising their option, it’s turned into five years and $80 million.
So when the next offseason rolls around, the front office has a big call to make. Bringing him back beyond 2025?
That’s going to take some careful consideration. By 2026, Ozuna will be 35, and let’s face it—long-term deals for players at that age aren’t exactly in Alex Anthopoulos’ playbook.
Now, here’s the wrinkle. Ozuna’s not exactly a Gold Glove outfielder anymore. Over the last two seasons, he’s been primarily used as a designated hitter, and those guys don’t usually command multi-year deals on the free-agent market.
What seems more realistic? A series of shorter, incentive-laden contracts, similar to what we’ve seen the Braves do with veteran pitchers like Charlie Morton.
Of course, if Ozuna keeps mashing like he did in 2024, there’s no doubt teams will be lining up to bring his bat into their lineup. But keeping him in Atlanta? That might not come at the bargain price of $16 million again.
The Braves have been smart about locking in their core players, but there’s a clear trend—they’re not tying themselves to big-money contracts past the age-34 mark. So if Anthopoulos sticks to that philosophy, expect one year of deals with options to be the best-case scenario for Ozuna.
The Future of the DH Spot in Atlanta
But there’s another angle here. If the Braves let Ozuna walk, it opens up some intriguing possibilities for that DH spot. Imagine giving Ronald Acuña Jr. more time off his feet without losing his bat in the lineup.
Or perhaps a prospect like Drake Baldwin gets a real shot to shine, balancing duties with Sean Murphy behind the plate. Flexibility could be a huge win here, not just in terms of money but in shaping the roster for the future.
As guys like Matt Olson and Austin Riley continue to age, they could eventually slide into that DH role themselves. It’s all part of the bigger picture Anthopoulos will need to consider when deciding if Ozuna stays or goes.
Will 2025 Be Ozuna’s Final Year with the Braves?
So, will 2025 be the last ride for the Big Bear in Atlanta? Or will the Braves figure out a way to keep him around without compromising their financial flexibility?
That’s the million-dollar question—more like the multi-million-dollar question—and one that’ll be front and center next offseason. Stay tuned, Braves Country.
