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.

More MLB: Mets Predicted To Poach $190M Ace From Astros After Devin Williams Signing

Related Posts

Luis Matos Stuns Fans After Scary Incident Against Mariners

IMAGE: Imagn Images In a tense moment during Wednesday night’s Cactus League matchup, the San Francisco Giants faced a scare when outfielder Luis Matos was hit in…

Roman Anthony’s Unexpected Take on His Season-Ending Injury – Red Sox Star’s Words Shift the Narrative…

Aug 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (19) prepares to bat before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red…

Astros Linked to Blockbuster Trade for Cardinals Star Amid Isaac Paredes Drama

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Houston Astros are finding themselves in a situation which becomes a little bit more of a…

Texas Rangers Nab Ex-Pirates Icon in Last-Minute Free Agent Coup – Opening Day Roster Shake-Up Incoming…

Texas Rangers cap | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images The Texas Rangers welcomed aboard some key names during the offseason, including those of starter MacKenzie Gore from the…

Cardinals Skipper Teases Perfect Glue Guy Discovery in Free Agency – St. Louis’ Quiet Offseason Just Got a Lot More Interesting…

Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) looks on from the dugout before the game against the New York Mets at…

Jed Hoyer Didn’t Even Blink: The Ice-Cold Reason the Cubs Walked Away from Kyle Tucker…

A lot of Chicago Cubs fans are going to eat this up because as good as Kyle Tucker was for the first three months in a Cubs…