Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos leaning on daring DH strategy, hesitant to bring back Marcell Ozuna

Hunter Cookston

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Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos leaning on daring DH strategy, hesitant to bring back Marcell Ozuna image

The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of an offseason where several issues will need to be addressed if they want to contend for the World Series after missing the playoffs in 2025. One major position of need is DH, but a reunion with Marcell Ozuna doesn’t seem likely.

“The problem Ozuna faces now is that he has only gotten older, his performance last season was subpar at best, and the teams that were previously considered to be landing spots for him feel unlikely to pursue him this offseason especially with how more and more organizations are treating the DH position,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.

There is a possibility the Braves could stay put at DH and simply rotate everyday players into the role when they need a day off their feet.

“Bowman mentions names like Ronald Acuña Jr., Jurickson Profar, Sean Murphy, and even iron-man Matt Olson as players who could benefit getting off their feet and DHing from time to time,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote. “Reading the tea leaves it's starting to sound like Anthopoulos and company feel a flexible DH spot is the way to go in 2026.”

Recently, GM Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that this is the direction the team will take throughout the offseason. Ozuna won’t be returning, and it doesn’t appear that a DH-focused player will be signed at the moment.

“Anthopoulos also said Braves’ preference at this point is to leave DH open and split the duties, rather than acquire a full-time DH like Ozuna,” The Athletic’s David O’Brien wrote.

This approach could either reflect Anthopoulos’ confidence in keeping his core players in the lineup every day or a reluctance to spend the money. Drake Baldwin thrived in the opportunities he had as DH when he wasn’t behind the plate, and Ronald Acuña can benefit significantly on days he isn’t in the field.

This strategy could help the Braves meet another priority, or it could backfire. However, if a player gets hot at the plate, the DH spot will become their best friend. Only time will tell how this plan plays out.

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