Brewers Named Top Landing Spot for Braves’ Slugger

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The Milwaukee Brewers are one of several playoff hopefuls scouring the MLB trade market for an offensive upgrade, and Yardbarker’s Kevin Henry (BBWAA member) believes the solution could be Atlanta Braves‘ slugger Marcell Ozuna.

With the Braves plummeting to a 42-53 record and a 12.5-game deficit in the NL East, Ozuna is now widely seen as a potential trade deadline casualty. His declining production in June and July hasn’t erased his value—he’s still managed 13 homers and 42 RBI through 318 at-bats. That kind of power is precisely what the Brewers need.

Brewers’ Power Struggles Make Ozuna a Logical Fit

MLB insider Jeff Passan told a Milwaukee radio station this month that the Brewers are “one big bat away from being a legitimate World Series contender.” Looking at the numbers, it’s hard to argue. Milwaukee ranks 23rd in home runs (93) and 22nd in slugging percentage (.383), falling well short of the kind of offensive production typical of a deep October run.

Though Christian Yelich has filled the designated hitter role for much of the year—logging 347 plate appearances there. The Brewers may need to find a way to get both Yelich and Ozuna in the lineup if they’re serious about contending.

Ozuna, 34, has served as the DH in every game he’s played since the start of 2024, so any trade would require the acquiring team to use him creatively. The Brewers have produced a 0.7 WAA (Wins Above Average) from the DH position, tying them for sixth in MLB. Suggesting there’s room to rotate Yelich elsewhere, especially if it results in a net gain of power and run production.

Ozuna Isn’t What He Was—But He Doesn’t Have to Be

No team expects to acquire peak-form Marcell Ozuna. His .762 OPS at the break is well below his .905 and .925 marks from the previous two MLB seasons. But he still represents a significant upgrade for a team like Milwaukee. This group has managed to stay in the NL Central race despite modest offensive output.

The Brewers are just one game back of the Cubs for the division lead. With the Cardinals and Reds both fading, there’s a narrow window to capitalize—and the front office knows it.

What makes Ozuna particularly attractive is his contract situation. He’s in the final year of a five-year, $80 million deal, meaning there’s no long-term financial risk. A midseason slump might reduce the asking price. Allowing the Brewers to make a low-cost bet on a bat with playoff pedigree.

Ozuna also brings postseason experience, something Milwaukee could use as it eyes a deeper October push. He’s played in 30 playoff games and hit .250 with five home runs, including a strong NLCS showing with Atlanta in 2020. For a Brewers lineup still seeking its postseason identity, that veteran edge could be invaluable.

It’s unclear whether the Brewers can find a lineup balance that accommodates both Yelich and Ozuna. But the need is real, and Milwaukee has emerged as one of the most logical trade partners for the Braves.

As the July 31 trade deadline nears, all eyes in Wisconsin should be on Atlanta—and on a possible power boost that could tip the balance of the NL Central.

Alvin Garcia Alvin Garcia is a Puerto Rican sports writer for Heavy.com. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, with coverage spanning across all leagues. More about Alvin Garcia