The trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Atlanta Braves have a couple of important decisions to make. Atlanta isn't going to make the playoffs this season, and even if they did, they'd be doing it without the core of their rotation.
It's time to start looking forward to next season and hope for a strong end to 2025. Atlanta doesn't want to trade players with control beyond this year, and that gives them limited options. Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson are bullpen options that contenders will certainly entertain.
However, the player pretty much everyone agrees will be on the move is Marcell Ozuna. His time with the Braves started rocky, but he's worked hard to earn back the trust of his teammates and the fanbase.
It stinks that his time is drawing to a close, but the Braves need to get what they can while he still has value. ESPN's Buster Olney confirmed there is movement around Ozuna, and at least one team has had conversations about adding him.
With little more than 48 hours to go before the deadline, there is movement developing around Marcell Ozuna, who has the power to reject any trade proposal. At least one team has had internal conversations about trying to work out a deal for the slugger.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 29, 2025
Odds of a Marcell Ozuna trade appearing to be increasing by the day
There were rumors earlier that the Braves and Padres had engaged in talks. But Braves insider Mark Bowman quickly shut those rumors down. Ozuna's trade value probably isn't as high as it used to be, thanks to his hip issues this season.
Regardless, he has playoff experience and, when healthy, is one of the best sluggers in baseball. Atlanta's biggest needs right now are pitching. Any trade involving Ozuna will likely focus on the bullpen and rotation.
It's likely not how either side envisioned Ozuna's time with the team coming to an end. Unfortunately, that's the unpredictable nature that comes with professional baseball. It is essential to note that Ozuna has the final say in any trade due to his 10-and-5 rights. He could reject a trade and finish his season with the Braves.
I don't see that happening as he is in the final year of his contract and will want to play as much as possible to show he is still able to perform beyond this season.