The Atlanta Braves have shockingly been one of the worst teams in the National League this season.
This has caused the majority of MLB insiders and media to make the assumption that Atlanta could end up being sellers at the trade deadline. If that’s the case, the Braves have some very interesting trade chips, including multiple superstars.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently predicted the Braves would cut ties with Marcell Ozuna in a blockbuster trade with the Texas Rangers.
“The Rangers’ offense has been inconsistent this season, and it looks like they need an impact middle-of-the-order bat,” Bowden wrote. “Ozuna would be a potential solution if the Braves decide to sell at the trade deadline. (They are 5 1/2 games out of the final NL wild-card spot but are still five games below .500.)
“Ozuna, 34, is slashing .253/.381/.418 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs. He’s ranked fourth in the majors in walks (52) and is on pace to set a career-high. Ozuana batted .302 with 39 homers and 104 RBIs last year and will be a free agent after this season.”
This kind of deal is exactly what the Rangers need. Ozuna would be the boost in their offense that they need in order to kick-start a postseason run. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it’s a bit risky, but it could prove worth it.
For the Braves, trading Ozuna makes sense, even though it would crush fans. Atlanta seems unlikely to re-sign Ozuna at the end of the season, so it might as well get as much value out of him as possible. There would likely be enough teams interested in him that the Braves could land a solid package in return.
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