At the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Atlanta Braves decided to keep designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on their roster, ensuring the veteran slugger remains with the team through the end of the season. Ozuna is set to start in the lineup Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, offering a potential lift to a struggling offense.
Injuries and Performance Issues Weigh on Ozuna’s Trade Prospects
The Braves’ decision comes amid a disappointing 45-62 season marked by numerous injuries and offensive inconsistency. Ozuna, 38, has faced difficulties since a hip injury in mid-summer severely affected his trade value. His batting average dropped to .176 with a .600 OPS after June 1, contrasting sharply with a much stronger .426 OBP and .883 OPS recorded earlier in the season. Although both Ozuna and manager Brian Snitker say his hip is healed, concerns about his health limited interest from other teams.
Leadership and Offensive Needs Influence Braves’ Choice
Atlanta appears determined to retain Ozuna for his leadership qualities and power bat presence, especially as the team ranks near the bottom of the league in outfield OPS at .650. Since the All-Star Break, the Braves’ offense has struggled to produce runs consistently. Despite Ozuna’s recent slump, his overall slash line remains above league average, and his recent two-home-run performance in Kansas City hints at a possible late-season rebound.
The pregame clubhouse session just ended. Ozuna is dressing at his locker and Iglesias is casually walking around. Trade Deadline expires in 80 minutes— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 31, 2025
Pitching Injuries Force Braves to Protect Core Players
The Braves have been hit hard on the pitching front, with key starters including Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver sidelined. To compensate, Atlanta added Erick Fedde and Carlos Carrasco to their rotation this week. However, management was unwilling to trade controllable young stars such as Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II. Given Ozuna’s status as a rental player, trading him would likely have brought minimal returns. As Mark Bowman reported, the Braves’ goal this deadline was to acquire organizational depth without sacrificing foundational talent.
Fan Reactions Highlight Mixed Feelings Over Trade Deadline Results
Social media reactions on X show a mix of frustration and understanding among fans. While some, like @KingZynry, expressed disappointment with the decision to keep Ozuna, others, such as @Tim_Brindle, appreciated the focus on preserving stability over replacing Ozuna with rookie catcher Drake Baldwin. The Braves evidently value Ozuna’s veteran presence in the clubhouse, especially during a season that increasingly looks lost.
Ozuna in the lineup = no trade — @KingZynry
Looking Ahead: Ozuna’s Role in a Missed Postseason and the Future
As Atlanta prepares to face the Cincinnati Reds, Ozuna’s bat remains one of the few bright spots amid a difficult year. With star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined by a calf strain, Ozuna’s power hitting takes on added significance. Though FanGraphs currently estimates the Braves’ playoff chances at just 3.7%, the team hopes Ozuna’s leadership will help guide the roster toward a healthier and more competitive 2026 season.