The Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers seem to be going in opposite directions as the season enters the “dog days of summer”. Detroit is 47-27, they sit atop the American League Central very comfortably, and hold the best record in baseball. With a starting rotation as strong as Detroit’s, they’re looking to win the AL Pennant and contend for a World Series title.
For the Braves, it’s been a different story. They sit 11 games back in the NL East, and may have an outside shot at a wild-card berth, but they need to get hot and have some other things go their way. This has led to speculation that they might be “sellers” at MLB’s trade deadline.
Three-time All-Star Marcell Ozuna would slot perfectly in the middle of the Tigers’ order and provide for a strong righty slugger.
Ozuna’s Name Has Been Floating Around
In an MLB.com “14 prime trade candidates” article, writer Mark Feinsand names Ozuna as a player who could be dealt.
“The Braves donât have much of a history of being sellers, but given their current place in the standings â 11 games back in the NL East and seven games out of a Wild Card spot â it wouldnât be a shock if Atlanta began looking toward 2026. The Braves have a handful of expiring contracts, but given the lack of power hitters expected to be available between now and July 31, Ozuna could bring back the best return as a rental.”
As Feinsand indicated, the Atlanta Braves have not been known as sellers, at least over the past decade, but now could be the perfect time to ship someone like Ozuna, who is on an expiring contract. The Braves could use a strong haul in return to help out their depleted farm system.
Ozuna is having another strong season. He has 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, and has been one of the Braves’ more consistent hitters this season. He is in the final year of his contract, and Atlanta will have a decision to make if they don’t decide to move him. But the flip side to that for the Detroit Tigers is that he could just be a rental for the remainder of the season before he hits free agency.
The Return Package
In this potential blockbuster trade, the Detroit Tigers would send the Atlanta Braves’ fifth-ranked prospect Thayron Liranzo, pitcher prospect Troy Melton, and outfielder Parker Meadows. A three-player deal that equals Ozuna’s worth. Ozuna has hit 40 and 39 home runs in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, so the power is there in complete capacity.
Again, Ozuna would complete that Detroit lineup that features a plethora of strong lefty hitters like Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, and Colt Keith. And as noted previously, the Tigers likely have World Series aspirations, but most would say they could afford to make an addition or two to that lineup.
It will be interesting to watch for as July rolls around, and specifically after the All-Star break, to see where Atlanta is in the standings and whether they will be willing to sell one of their best hitters.
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