Marcell Ozuna’s name keeps coming up in Atlanta Braves trade buzz, especially with the club hovering around .500.
The 13-year veteran is slashing .247/.379/.406 in 335 plate appearances for the Braves this season, with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.
Ozuna has full no-trade rights, Buster Olney posted on X, formerly Twitter on Wednesday.
He recently earned 10-and-5 status — 10 years of MLB service time, five with the same team — which gives him the ability to veto any deal. So even if the Braves do field calls or think about making a move, Ozuna has total control over what happens next. No trade goes through unless he signs off.
That makes the entire situation a lot more complicated. The Braves can continue exploring options, but unless Ozuna is on board, it’s just background noise.
And here’s where it gets interesting: there’s no real indication he wants to leave. While his numbers have dipped, there’s still not a ton of steam coming out of his camp of a change of scenery.
Ozuna has said multiple times that he’s happy in Atlanta. He’s comfortable in the clubhouse, he’s finally back in good standing with fans, and he’s producing at a high level again.
The Braves stood by him through a rough patch early in his contract — both on and off the field — and that loyalty clearly matters. At this point in his career, with a team he knows and a system that works for him, it’s hard to see him walking away just for a two-month rental situation.
His contract also isn’t a major issue. He’s making $16 million this season. ESPN listed the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox as the most likely landing spots if the three-time All-Star winds up moving on.
If the Braves did shop him, it would be more about roster balance or long-term payroll than trying to unload a bad deal. But again, any of that depends on Ozuna — and there’s no sign he’s looking for a change.
So yeah, Ozuna trade rumors will keep on floating, especially if the Braves don’t gain ground in the standings over the next few weeks. Teams will call. Some might even make serious offers. But the reality is, Ozuna controls the outcome. He’s not just a trade chip — he’s a productive veteran with full veto power and no urgency to move.
Could something still happen? Sure. If the Braves completely fall off and decide to sell, maybe Ozuna considers a deal to a contender with a clear shot at a ring. But unless something shifts — in the standings or in his mindset — don’t expect a move.
He’s expected to receive $77,307,692 over four years once he hits the market, per Spotrac.
The Braves can listen. But Ozuna’s not going anywhere unless he wants to.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Braves Will Trade Marcell Ozuna, But There’s A Catch appeared first on Heavy Sports.