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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 10: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves grounds out into a force out to end the top of the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on June 10, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Major League Baseball’s hot stove season is here, giving all 30 MLB clubs the chance to make necessary roster additions heading into the 2026 season via trade or free agency. The Atlanta Braves are a very interesting organization to follow this offseason. After missing the 2025 playoffs, Atlanta’s front office will attempt to make amends by making the right roster decisions.
One of those big roster decisions is what to do with DH Marcell Ozuna, who is a current free agent. The Braves have made a few small moves, like re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias and trading for Mauricio Dubón, but many fans are wondering if Atlanta will retain its three-time All-Star slugger.
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Braves Predicted to Cut Ties with Marcell Ozuna?
Should the Atlanta Braves re-sign Marcell Ozuna? That’s the million-dollar question the Braves’ front office is facing this offseason. He is the team’s most notable free agent, and after a semi-down season in 2025, Atlanta may not want to extend him a contract offer.
In a recent piece by Sports Illustrated’s Harrison Smajovits, the Braves writer urges the team to cut ties with Marcell Ozuna:
“One Not to Re-Sign: Marcell Ozuna”
“Some will agree with this. Some very much won’t. That’s just how it is. Would it be a surprise if they brought Ozuna back? Not at all. A lower price tag would help. However, it’s time to move on. The Braves, looking to potentially rotate Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin at DH, have shown they could be willing to. “
GettyAtlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna
Ozuna has been a centerpiece of the Braves’ lineup for the entirety of the 2020s up until this point, but he hit just 21 home runs in 145 games in 2025 and started to be featured as a pinch-hitter late in the season.
What Are Marcell Ozuna’s Contract Demands?
It’s unclear what Marcell Ozuna’s contract demands are at this moment, but as the article from SI indicates, Atlanta could transition Drake Baldwin or Sean Murphy to more of a DH role, and allocate the money saved on Ozuna for another starting pitcher or infield bat.
Over six seasons with the Braves, Ozuna has hit 148 home runs and posted an OPS+ of 127. He was named to the All-Star team in 2024. Ozuna hit 40 home runs in 2023 and 39 in 2024.
He has also been dealing with a hip injury, which may have hindered his power ability in 2025, but another concern is his inconsistency at the plate and high strikeout rate. Ozuna struck out 144 times in 487 at-bats last season, and hit just .232.
As the MLB winter meetings commence, it will be interesting to see what reports are revealed regarding the Braves and their offseason plans.
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