Braves veteran All-Star predicted to bolt for deal with division rival

The Atlanta Braves are headed for a crucial offseason this winter after whiffing on the postseason last year. They’re going to need to make some big additions to improve their roster, but it seems like they’re going to lose some players, too.

Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna is a free agent, and he seems bound to sign with a new team. There are plenty of suitors that could make a push for the veteran slugger this offseason.

Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein recently predicted Ozuna would ditch the Braves in free agency and sign a deal with the division rival Washington Nationals.

Braves veteran All-Star predicted to bolt for deal with division rival

“The Washington Nationals need a professional hitter. Why not take a flyer on Marcell Ozuna and see what you get? Ozuna just turned 35 years old, and hip problems plagued his 2025 season, sapping him of the 40 home run power he boasted in 2023 and 2024 (79 HRs combined),” Finkelstein wrote. “It is fair to wonder how much Ozuna has left in the tank, which is why the Atlanta Braves are likely content keeping their DH spot open, especially with two strong catchers on their roster with Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin.”

The Braves seem content with letting Ozuna walk because of their loaded catchers room. Either Sean Murphy or Drake Baldwin would be able to rotate at designated hitter for the coming years.

But the Nationals could take a risk on Ozuna this offseason. He would certainly bolster their roster if he could return to the level he’s hit at for the last few years. Adding a slugger like Ozuna would be a huge piece of the puzzle for the Nationals as they look to build a contender around their young core.

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