The Major League Baseball trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Atlanta Braves will likely be sellers.
Sitting over ten games back for the last Wild Card playoff spot, the Braves have an uphill battle to make it to the postseason. Atlanta likely will look to move players on expiring contracts, including three-time All-Star designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand called Ozuna the "best available player" at the designated hitter position on Tuesday, citing that most contending teams could use a power bat like Ozuna.
"In a market short on power bats, Ozuna should have some appeal for contenders seeking some pop at the designated hitter spot," Feinsand wrote. "Ozuna started off strong this season (.901 OPS through 55 games), and although he posted a .547 OPS over his next 35 contests, he’s still a power threat who can change a game with one swing."
"Buzz Factor: Medium. Ozuna is in the final year of his contract, and with the Braves facing long odds for the postseason – and seemingly unlikely to re-sign the 34-year-old – Atlanta will likely try to move the DH for a prospect or two."
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Ozuna was most recently named an All-Star last season, and would be a four-time All-Star if there had been an All-Star game in 2020. The 34-year-old slugger is slashing .235/.361/.751 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs and has mashed 92 home runs dating back to 2023.
Ozuna is on the last season of a four-year, $65 million contract and is still a batter you do not want to mess with. With Atlanta likely selling off players at the trade deadline, any contending team would be sorry to miss out on the chance to add such a talented slugger to their lineup.
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