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Braves-Reds Trade Idea Lands 40 Home Run All-Star in Cincinnati

As the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline nears, the Atlanta Braves figure to be sellers.

At the All-Star break, the National League East club is 12.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the division, and 9.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the final Wild Card spot.

Several contending teams should be in the market for a power hitting middle of the order bat, and impending free agent Marcell Ozuna could generate a ton of interest.


Reds Could Show Interest in Ozuna

Outside of shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds may require an additional slugger to help their chances in a potential postseason series.

On Saturday, Clutch Points’ Garrett Kerman proposed a trade idea that sends Ozuna and his 13 2025 home runs to the Reds.

“Marcell Ozuna has been a force in the Braves’ lineup since his arrival. In 2025, Ozuna continues to provide power, entering mid-July with 12 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a .236 batting average over 88 games,” wrote Kerman.

“While his recent numbers have dipped from his 2023 and 2024 All-Star campaigns, Ozuna’s advanced metrics remain strong. He boasts a hard-hit rate near 50% and an average exit velocity over 91 mph, signaling that his bat speed and power are still elite. For a Reds team that ranks near the bottom in outfield OPS, Ozuna’s presence would be a game-changer.”

Ozuna, 34, is a three-time All-Star but did not play in the World Series in 2021 with the Atlanta Braves due to domestic violence charges that led to a suspension by MLB. He’s played 30 career postseason games and hit .250 with five homers and a .724 OPS.

“Ozuna’s contract, a five-year, $80 million deal signed through 2025, means he’s owed roughly $65 million, including incentives and remaining salary. While that’s a significant financial commitment, it’s one the Reds can absorb, given their payroll flexibility and the need to add proven run producers,” wrote Kerman.

“The Reds’ outfield has struggled with inconsistency and injuries, and the lack of a true power bat has been a glaring weakness as they chase a Wild Card berth.”


Why the Braves May Consider Moving Ozuna

As mentioned, the Atlanta Braves are out of the postseason race and could use their struggles to acquire young, controllable talent.

With outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the club, it’s not likely Atlanta will enter a complete rebuild. However, the Braves’ roster could use a retooling for future seasons. Trading Ozuna would help accomplish step one of Atlanta’s roster reconstruction.

“For Atlanta, moving Ozuna would be a tough pill to swallow, but could be the prudent choice given the team’s injury woes and uncertain playoff outlook,” Kerman wrote.

“The Braves’ front office has signaled a reluctance to trade players controlled beyond 2025, but Ozuna, a pending free agent, is an exception. By dealing him now, Atlanta could infuse its system with young, controllable talent while clearing payroll for future moves.”


The Trade Proposal

In Kerman’s trade idea, the Cincinnati Reds acquire Ozuna in return for third baseman Noelvi Marte, right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez, and Cincinnati’s No. 3 prospect on MLB Pipeline, infielder Sal Stewart.

Marte could play multiple infield positions for the Atlanta Braves and was once a top 30 prospect. Martinez can make starts or pitch in relief, but reaches free agency at the end of this season. Stewart, 21, owns a .306/.377/.473 slash line with 10 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts this season at Double-A Chattanooga.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Braves-Reds Trade Idea Lands 40 Home Run All-Star in Cincinnati appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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