Braves $65 million All-Star tabbed as trade chip as team sits on 'playoff bubble'

The Atlanta Braves are 35-41 and seven games out of a wild card spot. They are not out of the postseason race, but they may need to be more calculated than aggressive at the trade deadline.

During an appearance on 680 The Fan's "Cellini and Dimino," Alex Anthopoulos noted that his team will not be sellers at the deadline. He even noted that the team hopes to be in a position to add at the trade deadline. However, that was before the team found out Chris Sale was going on the injured list with a fractured rib.

The Braves are going to try and make a late push for a postseason berth, but they may have to make some moves that gear them for the future in case they cannot pull off the turnaround. MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan noted that trading Marcell Ozuna could be one of those moves as the Braves try to navigate the trade deadline on the "playoff bubble."

"But if he’s forced to reassess the club’s Deadline approach, we could see Atlanta trade away its pending free agents," wrote Harrigan. "Ozuna is by far the best player on that short list, which also includes relievers Raisel Iglesias and Rafael Montero and outfielder Alex Verdugo. While Ozuna’s power numbers have dropped off in 2025, he’s still reaching base at a .379 clip. He’s also not far removed from producing 79 homers and a .552 slugging percentage across 2023-24, making him an appealing middle-of-the-order bat for contending teams in need of offensive reinforcements."

Ozuna signed a four-year, $65 million deal with the Braves before the 2021 season. He is playing on a club option this year, but will hit the open market when the season ends. He is a two-time Silver Slugger and would be a huge addition for most contenders.

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp

Finding a trade partner for Ozuna may not be easy, considering he provides no value defensively. Teams that already have the DH spot occupied would essentially be out of the running for Ozuna.

More MLB: Mets-Angels trade idea cuts ties with Brett Baty for slugging outfielder