The Atlanta Braves and Marcell Ozuna are reportedly ending things on bad terms.
Ozuna has been the team’s designated hitter for a few years, but the Braves quickly fell out of contention this season. He stayed in the lineup until recently, which is why MLB insider Bob Nightengale thinks he’ll be less particular about his landing spot.
“Atlanta DH Marcell Ozuna, who has 10-and-5 rights and can veto any trade, is now expected to approve any deal if the team guarantees him everyday playing time,” wrote Nightengale. “He recently lost his starting job with Atlanta.”
Ozuna is quickly realizing beggars can’t be choosers. He’s still playing at a high level and can slot into any contender’s lineup as the designated hitter, but riding the bench isn’t enjoyable for any player.
The Braves have made it clear to Ozuna he is no longer part of the team’s plans, and it’s now only a matter of when he gets traded. Atlanta won’t pay him to sit on the bench for the rest of the season, but this is the organization’s way of pushing him out the door.
Now, Ozuna knows he can’t boost his value in Atlanta and wait for free agency to come around. The Braves are ready to cut ties with him, so he can’t be too particular about where he ends up. If they receive multiple offers for Ozuna, he may be able to choose where he wants to go, but that’s about as much control as he will have this year.