Reds trade proposal lands $65 million Braves star

The MLB trade deadline always brings speculation, but this summer, a bold proposal could send shockwaves through the National League. The Cincinnati Reds, a team teetering between buyer and seller status, are reportedly eyeing Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna, a $65 million star whose bat could transform Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. With the Braves seeking roster flexibility and the Reds desperate for a middle-of-the-order threat, a deal centered around Ozuna and a package of young Reds talent is suddenly plausible.

Marcell Ozuna has been a force in the Braves’ lineup since his arrival. In 2025, Ozuna continues to provide power, entering mid-July with 12 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a .236 batting average over 88 games. While his recent numbers have dipped from his 2023 and 2024 All-Star campaigns, Ozuna’s advanced metrics remain strong. He boasts a hard-hit rate near 50% and an average exit velocity over 91 mph, signaling that his bat speed and power are still elite. For a Reds team that ranks near the bottom in outfield OPS, Ozuna’s presence would be a game-changer.

Ozuna’s contract, a five-year, $80 million deal signed through 2025, means he’s owed roughly $65 million including incentives and remaining salary. While that’s a significant financial commitment, it’s one the Reds can absorb, given their payroll flexibility and the need to add proven run producers. The Reds’ outfield has struggled with inconsistency and injuries, and the lack of a true power bat has been a glaring weakness as they chase a Wild Card berth.

Why the Braves Would Consider a Deal for Marcel Ozuna

Reds trade proposal lands $65 million Braves star — Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.

The Braves, perennial contenders, find themselves in a unique position. Injuries to key players and an underperforming offense have tested Atlanta’s depth. While Ozuna has been a mainstay at designated hitter, the emergence of younger, more versatile players and the need to address pitching depth could prompt the Braves to consider moving his contract. Atlanta’s front office has never shied away from aggressive moves, especially if it means retooling for another deep postseason run.

Cincinnati’s front office, led by veteran manager Terry Francona, has signaled a willingness to be aggressive buyers at the deadline. The Reds sit just a few games out of a Wild Card spot, buoyed by strong pitching and a core of young stars like Elly De La Cruz. However, their offense has lagged, especially in the outfield and at first base. A proven bat like Ozuna could be the missing piece to spark a postseason run.

For Atlanta, moving Ozuna would be a tough pill to swallow but could be the prudent choice given the team’s injury woes and uncertain playoff outlook. The Braves’ front office has signaled a reluctance to trade players controlled beyond 2025, but Ozuna, a pending free agent, is an exception. By dealing him now, Atlanta could infuse its system with young, controllable talent while clearing payroll for future moves.

The Trade Proposal

Here’s how a realistic Reds-Braves trade for Marcell Ozuna could look:

Cincinnati Reds receive:

Marcell Ozuna
Cash considerations (to offset remaining 2025 salary)

Atlanta Braves receive:

Noelvi Marte
Nick Martinez
Sal Stewart

This proposal gives the Reds a much-needed power bat and veteran presence for their playoff push. Ozuna would slot in as the everyday designated hitter, providing protection for De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario in the heart of the lineup. The cash considerations help Cincinnati absorb Ozuna’s remaining salary, making the deal more palatable from a financial standpoint.

For the Braves, the return is significant. Noelvi Marte is a former top-30 prospect who has shown flashes of elite potential when healthy and focused. His ability to play multiple infield positions fits Atlanta’s need for depth, especially with injuries and underperformance plaguing their current roster. Nick Martinez, a versatile arm with experience as both a starter and reliever, gives the Braves a valuable pitching option down the stretch or as a trade chip in a subsequent deal. Sal Stewart, meanwhile, is a high-upside third baseman who could develop into a cornerstone player in the coming years.

For Cincinnati, this trade signals a clear intent to compete in 2025 and beyond. Adding Ozuna’s power to a lineup built around speed and contact could be the missing ingredient for a deep postseason run.

Atlanta, on the other hand, gets a head start on retooling. Marte and Stewart offer long-term upside, while Martinez provides immediate pitching depth. The Braves also gain payroll flexibility, which will be crucial as they look to re-sign core players and address other roster needs in the offseason.

A Reds-Braves swap centered around Marcell Ozuna is not just a blockbuster for headline value—it’s a deal that addresses the needs of both clubs at a critical juncture. Cincinnati gets the middle-of-the-order bat they desperately need, while Atlanta replenishes its farm system and prepares for the future. As the deadline approaches, this is the kind of bold move that could reshape the National League playoff picture—and set the stage for an unforgettable October.