The Atlanta Braves will have themselves a busy offseason ahead. After a disappointing 2025 season, the team will be looking to get right as they aim for contention in 2026.
The Braves managed just a 76-86 record in 2025, missing the postseason for the first time since 2017. One of the team’s premier sluggers over the last few seasons is now available on the open market, but not everyone thinks the Braves should bring him back.
That premier slugger is Marcell Ozuna. The former All-Star didn’t have his best season in 2025, hitting just 21 home runs with a.756 OPS in 145 games this past season. As such, Sports Illustrated’s Harrison Smajovits doesn’t believe the team should retain Ozuna.
“Some will agree with this. Some very much won’t. That’s just how it is. Would it be a surprise if they brought Ozuna back? Not at all. A lower price tag would help. However, it’s time to move on. The Braves, looking to potentially rotate Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin at DH, have shown they could be willing to,” Smajovits said.
With a decline in production imminent, it makes sense for the Braves to move on from Ozuna for the future as they try to remain competitive in the NL East for 2026 and beyond.
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