Braves' Marcell Ozuna future in limbo as GM Anthopoulos likely implements new DH philosophy

Hunter Cookston

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Braves' Marcell Ozuna future in limbo as GM Anthopoulos likely implements new DH philosophy image

Following the Atlanta Braves over the last couple of seasons, it was clear that Marcell Ozuna was the team’s go-to DH. His power bat was unlike any other, and the Braves struck gold by bringing him to Atlanta. However, this past season was anything but usual for Ozuna.

“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.

Atlanta did attempt to trade Ozuna last season, but he vetoed at least three potential deals. For the most part, the Braves remained quiet at the trade deadline.

“It’s possible that while Anthopoulos was discussing trades, he couldn’t agree on a deal that Ozuna’s agent could also sign off on. Just because Ozuna is leaving the deadline out of his hands doesn’t mean the 10-5 rights go out the window. He could have simply handed over those rights to his agent for the discussions,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote.

With the new season approaching, the Braves are likely to take a different approach to the DH role.

“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. Of course a lot of this is dependent on which players Atlanta adds this winter, but as things stand the DH role looks to be headed in a new, more exciting direction in 2026.”

The Braves are still adapting to the implementation of the DH position and figuring out the best way to use it. They may take a matchup-based approach this season, especially if Danny Lehmann becomes the next hire.

Ozuna’s days in Atlanta are clearly over, and the Braves appear to be embracing a more team-oriented strategy. It will be exciting to see how this new approach plays out.

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