As the Major League Baseball season nears its end, the Milwaukee Brewers are exploring opportunities to strengthen their roster for a playoff run. With a firm 60-40 record, the Brewers are focusing on Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves as a key target in a possible trade. The Brewers’ interest in this Marcell Ozuna Brewers trade opportunity comes amid the Braves’ struggles and Ozuna’s availability as a trade candidate.
Ozuna is in the last year of his contract, making him a viable mid-season acquisition without long-term commitment. ESPN’s Buster Olney pointed out that although Ozuna is a sought-after asset, he possesses 10-5 rights giving him the power to veto any trade, which places control in the hands of the player himself.
Braves Face Tough Decisions Amid Playoff Elimination
The Atlanta Braves are enduring a disappointing season, currently positioned 11 games below a .500 winning percentage and excluded from postseason contention. Industry experts like Jon Heyman of the New York Post have indicated that the Braves are likely to enter a rebuilding phase and may be looking to trade valuable players such as Ozuna. Sources suggest that Ozuna, in part due to his diminished role on the team, is open to a move despite his recent struggles at the plate.
Since June, Ozuna’s batting average has dropped to .175; however, his three-time All-Star record and his impactful performance last year—when he was the Braves’ top offensive contributor—highlight his underlying potential. This duality positions Ozuna as a possible game-changer should he regain form in a new setting, which is particularly enticing for the Brewers.
Brewers Consider a Calculated Gamble on Ozuna’s Return to Form
The potential trade is seen by Milwaukee as a low-risk, high-reward gamble. The Brewers currently boast a competitive lineup and are not desperate for additional offense. If Ozuna fails to deliver, the Brewers’ risk is limited since they would only be responsible for the remainder of this season under any trade agreement.
On the other hand, if Ozuna recaptures even part of his previous success, he could provide a significant boost to Milwaukee’s offense. His run-producing abilities could elevate the team’s overall performance, making the Brewers a stronger contender as the playoffs approach.
Trade Deadline Looms with Uncertain Outcomes
As the trade deadline approaches, attention is growing around the Brewers’ potential move for Marcell Ozuna. With the Braves intent on selling off players and Ozuna willing to explore new opportunities, Milwaukee may soon have a chance to add a powerful hitter with playoff experience to their roster. Whether this trade comes to fruition remains uncertain, but the prospect adds an intriguing element to the Brewers’ strategy for the final stretch of the season.
“although Ozuna is seen as a valuable trade asset, he holds 10-5 rights, enabling him to veto any trade.” —Buster Olney, ESPN
“According to Heyman, Ozuna is not just a candidate for trade; he is reportedly open to moving on, especially given his reduced role within the team this season.” —Jon Heyman, New York Post
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Marcell Ozuna a good hitter?
A. He’s not incorrect. Over the past two seasons, he achieved a .289 batting average, hit 79 home runs, and earned 204 RBIs. During the same period, he struck out 304 times, resulting in a strikeout rate of 23.8%.