The Atlanta Braves seemingly entered the season with World Series expectations, but now find themselves placed behind the Miami Marlins in the standings.
With the team sitting around 10 games under .500, it’s increasingly likely the front office opts to aggressively sell at the trade deadline in a few weeks.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently noted that the Braves were letting teams know that veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna was going to be available in a trade this year.
“Atlanta is expected to listen to trade offers for second baseman Ozzie Albies, center fielder Michael Harris and catcher Sean Murphy, but not until this winter,” Nightengale wrote. “They are letting teams know that Marcell Ozuna, closer Raisel Iglesias and reliever Pierce Johnson are all available. Ozuna, who has 10-and-5 rights, can veto any trade.”
Ozuna’s ability to veto any trade could make this idea difficult, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him open to a few different teams.
With the slugger quickly approaching the end of his career, it’s hard to imagine he’ll want to stay on a losing team for long. If the Braves can find a deal with a team like the San Diego Padres, it would be shocking to see Ozuna veto the trade.
Either way, the Braves will likely try to shop the veteran star before he bolts in free agency at the end of the season. The Braves likely won’t try to re-sign an aging designated hitter in the offseason, especially if they’re opting for a bit of a rebuild.
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