Braves to Cut Ties with All-Star Slugger Amid Offseason Decisions

Major League Baseball’s hot-stove period has officially arrived, giving all 30 teams an opportunity to strengthen their rosters for the 2026 campaign through trades and free-agent signings. Among the most intriguing clubs to monitor this winter are the Atlanta Braves. After falling short of the postseason in 2025—a rare setback for a franchise accustomed to competing deep into October—the Braves’ front office is under pressure to correct course and assemble a roster capable of returning to contention.

A major storyline surrounding Atlanta’s offseason revolves around designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. The veteran slugger, who enjoyed multiple All-Star seasons during his time with the club, is now on the open market. His future has become one of the defining questions for the Braves as they evaluate how best to structure their lineup moving forward. Deciding whether to bring Ozuna back or move in a different direction will significantly shape the team’s offensive identity next year.

So far, Atlanta has made only modest adjustments. The team chose to bring back its reliable closer, Raisel Iglesias, ensuring stability at the back end of the bullpen. They also completed a trade for utility man Mauricio Dubón, a move aimed at improving depth and versatility across the diamond. However, these smaller transactions have done little to quiet the speculation among fans and analysts who are eagerly waiting for a more significant commitment—either re-signing Ozuna or replacing his production with another impact bat.

As the offseason continues to unfold, the Braves’ approach will be closely watched. With rivals in the National League East becoming increasingly competitive, every decision carries weight. Whether Atlanta ultimately decides to reunite with its powerful designated hitter or chart a new path, the choices they make now will play a crucial role in determining their chances of bouncing back in 2026.

Braves Predicted to Cut Ties with Marcell Ozuna?

The Atlanta Braves enter this offseason with one major question looming over their roster planning: Should they bring back designated hitter Marcell Ozuna? It is arguably the biggest decision facing the front office, especially since Ozuna is the team’s most recognizable free agent.

After delivering several productive seasons earlier in the decade, his performance in 2025 dipped enough to raise doubts about whether extending him a new contract is the right move for the organization. With Atlanta determined to reshape the roster following a disappointing year, the leadership group must carefully evaluate whether Ozuna still fits that vision.

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Sports Illustrated writer Harrison Smajovits recently weighed in on the matter, making a strong case for why the Braves should move in a different direction. In his article, he labels Ozuna as the top player Atlanta should avoid re-signing this winter.

Smajovits acknowledges that the fan base will likely remain split—some supporters would welcome Ozuna back at a reduced salary, while others believe his best years with the franchise are already behind him. He even admits that it wouldn’t be shocking if the Braves chose to retain him, especially if he were willing to return on a team-friendly deal. Still, the writer ultimately argues that the club would benefit more from turning the page and reallocating resources elsewhere.

Smajovits points out that Atlanta has already shown potential signs of preparing for life without Ozuna. One such indicator is the possibility of rotating catchers Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin at the designated hitter position—a strategy the team explored toward the end of the 2025 season. Incorporating this kind of DH flexibility provides the Braves with opportunities to diversify their lineup while also giving their catchers partial rest days without removing their bats entirely. If the Braves commit to this approach, Ozuna’s presence becomes less essential, especially considering his declining production.

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For much of the 2020s, Ozuna served as a key middle-of-the-order force. His power, run production, and ability to change a game with one swing made him a lineup fixture. However, his 2025 campaign suggested a clear step backward. Over 145 games, he managed 21 home runs, a sharp decline from his typical output earlier in the decade.

Along with the reduced power numbers, his role diminished late in the season, as he was used more frequently as a pinch-hitter rather than an everyday offensive anchor. That shift signals not only a lack of consistency but also the coaching staff’s hesitation to rely on him in the same capacity as before.

Given the Braves’ desire to rebound in 2026 and their exploration of new offensive configurations, the team must decide whether a reunion with Ozuna matches their long-term direction. While his experience and previous success are undeniable, his recent performance and the club’s internal options make the decision far more complicated. Ultimately, Atlanta must weigh nostalgia and name recognition against the need for fresh production and roster flexibility as they chart their path forward.

What Are Marcell Ozuna’s Contract Demands?

Marcell Ozuna’s specific contract expectations remain uncertain, but as noted in the Sports Illustrated report, the Atlanta Braves may be preparing for alternative paths if his asking price is too high. One option would be to shift either Drake Baldwin or Sean Murphy into a more regular designated hitter role, allowing the organization to redirect the financial resources that would have gone toward re-signing Ozuna. That savings could instead be used to bolster another area of need, such as acquiring an additional starting pitcher or adding a productive infield bat.

During his six-year tenure in Atlanta, Ozuna has been a significant power presence in the lineup. He has launched 148 home runs and recorded a 127 OPS+, and his performance earned him an All-Star selection in 2024. He was one of the league’s most dangerous hitters in consecutive seasons, blasting 40 home runs in 2023 and following that with 39 in 2024.

However, several concerns have emerged that may influence the Braves’ decision-making. Ozuna has been battling a hip issue that likely affected his power output and overall production in 2025. Beyond the injury, his inconsistency at the plate continues to be a challenge. His strikeout rate remains notably high; in the most recent season, he fanned 144 times in 487 at-bats and managed only a .232 batting average. Those numbers raise legitimate questions about whether his previous offensive peaks are sustainable moving forward.

With the MLB winter meetings underway, all eyes will be on the Braves’ front office as they explore their options and evaluate how Ozuna fits into their long-term plans. New reports and rumors are expected to surface soon, offering more clarity on whether Atlanta intends to part ways with Ozuna or pursue a new contract structure that aligns with the team’s broader roster strategy.

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