The Atlanta Braves will likely be in sell mode at the trade deadline. This puts expiring players, like veteran Marcell Ozuna, on the trade block.
Ozuna is one of the more intriguing trade pieces in the league because he’s very talented, but he’s not a valuable trade chip for Atlanta.
FanSided’s Chris Landers recently predicted the Braves would trade Ozuna to the San Diego Padres in exchange for prospect Ryan Bergert.
“With Sean Murphy not only off the trade block but serving as a catcher/DH tandem with young Drake Baldwin on seemingly a nightly basis, the writing is on the wall for Ozuna as he plays out the final year of his contract with the Atlanta Braves,” Landers wrote. “And it’s true that Ozuna has struggled mightily at the plate of late, with a .562 OPS since June 1.
“But when he’s right, we know that Ozuna is still one heck of a hitter. And the Padres could very much use a boost at DH, as Trenton Brooks simply isn’t getting it done right now. It’s possible that Ozuna’s nagging hip injury never goes away, but his price could not be lower, and he’s a worthy gamble that could give San Diego a needed jolt.”
It makes sense for the Braves to trade Ozuna. He’s on an expiring contract and unlikely to re-sign in Atlanta after the season. With the Braves expected to use Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin in a catcher, designated hitter hybrid role, that’s going to push Ozuna out of Atlanta.
For the Padres, they need to make a big move or two. Adding an everyday designated hitter would be the best place to start, especially if they can add one with the talent of Ozuna.
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