Things are starting to look a little better in Braves Country, but don’t let a modest hot streak fool you—the Atlanta Braves are still below .500 heading into the final days of June at 37-43.
Sure, they’ve had the Mets’ number this season up until those last coupel games, but being 10 games behind New York in the NL East and six games back of the final Wild Card slot isn’t exactly a recipe for postseason confidence.
Why a Braves Sell-Off Isn’t in the Cards
There are three big reasons the Braves aren’t about to wave the white flag at the trade deadline. First, optics. Atlanta is set to host the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. Selling off key players just months before that spotlight event? That would give the organization a bad look, considering it prides itself on being a contender year in and year out.
Second, there’s GM Alex Anthopoulos. The Braves’ front office has made some big swings in recent years—some good, some questionable. If they suddenly start shipping off players mid-season, it might make Anthopoulos look like he’s lost the plot, especially after doubling down on this current roster.
Third and most practical: who’s even tradable for future value? Chris Sale’s on the shelf with a fractured ribcage. He’s staying put. That leaves one obvious name—Marcell Ozuna.
Ozuna’s Trade Value? Not So Simple
Now, Ozuna should be the obvious trade chip. He’s on an expiring contract, he’s still producing at the plate, and he’s a DH—perfect for a bat-hungry contender. But here’s the catch: Ozuna has 10-5 rights.
That’s MLB-speak for “I’ve earned the right to say no,” and after five years in Atlanta and 13 total in the bigs, he can veto any trade the Braves try to make. ESPN’s Buster Olney confirmed it.
The Complicated Case of Marcell Ozuna
Ozuna’s 2025 campaign has been fine. His power’s been streaky, he’s battled through what looks like a lingering issue, and he’s still drawing walks. At 34, he’s clearly on the back nine of his career, but there might still be one more multi-year deal out there for him. He’s never been the most consistent player—he can look like an MVP candidate one week and a DFA candidate the next—but this year, he’s been just above league average.
His off-field history isn’t spotless, which could scare off potential suitors. However, it’s also true that Ozuna has been drama-free for the past few years, and his production has followed suit. If the right contender came calling and the fit was perfect, maybe he’d waive those 10-5 rights. Maybe. But the idea that Ozuna’s a hot-ticket trade piece with teams lined up around the block? That’s just not the reality.
So here’s the likeliest outcome: Ozuna finishes the season in Atlanta, gives the Braves what he can, and moves on in free agency next winter. He may not be part of the long-term future, but right now, he’s still part of the plan—and the Braves are still (technically) in the hunt.
