Rumors swirled late Tuesday evening that the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres were in trade discussions. MLB insider Hector Gomez stated trade talks were ramping up and the Padres were very interested in Marcell Ozuna.
The rumor also stated that the Braves would receive two pitching prospects in return from San Diego. Alex Anthopoulos made it known that Atlanta isn't looking to move players under team control past this season.
Ozuna fits that bill and it seems pretty clear he will be on the move as the Braves have utilized Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin in the DH spot every day now. A player with Ozuna's experience will be wanted by contenders like the Padres.
However, we know that the Braves are very quiet about their moves until it is done. There's always skepticism around rumors including Atlanta every year. Braves insider Mark Bowman quickly shut down the rumors of trade talks on Wednesday.
Braves insider Mark Bowman quashed any Ozuna-Padres trade talk for now
Bowman stated that his sources indicated there have been zero discussions about Ozuna. Now, is it possible he's just saving face for the organization? Yes. But there's a good possibility this is 100% true.
According to my sources, the Braves and Padres haven't had any discussions of any kind about Marcell Ozuna. https://t.co/LbsLgovbff
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 23, 2025
Ozuna has struggled mightily and it's fairly obvious that a lot of that has to do with his hip injury. There's a reason he's been sitting on the bench rather than playing. He's batting .235 on the season with 13 home runs, 42 RBI, and a 115 wRC+.
That's not a ton of production from someone who used to be one of the most clutch bats in the lineup. It makes sense to trade him so he can have a shot at playing every day. His leadership is just as valuable as his bat.
The Braves getting back two top prospects would be more than most expected from him struggling this season. However, the aforementioned leadership and playoff experience is something every contending team needs.
We will find out soon enough if there was something to these rumors or not. It feels inevitable that Ozuna will be moved, but things can change quickly during trade season.