The Atlanta Braves are redirecting their attention to the 2026 season after a disappointing current year, with fans eager for improvements. Although the regular season is nearing its end, the team still has opportunities for roster adjustments that might enhance their outlook, especially through moves involving waiver claims. Marcell Ozuna Braves waiver speculation intensifies as the Braves weigh their options amid this transitional period.
Understanding Waiver Transactions in MLB
In Major League Baseball, waiver claims require a player to be placed on waivers by his current team, allowing other teams to claim him and inherit his contract obligations. This process is often used by playoff-contending teams to strengthen their lineup late in the season. The Braves, currently below the luxury tax limit by roughly $8 million and no longer in playoff contention, face a choice between retaining players on their payroll or creating cap space for potential moves before the season ends.
Marcell Ozuna’s Role and Recent Performance
Marcell Ozuna, the 34-year-old veteran slugger in the final year of his contract with Atlanta, remains under scrutiny as speculation about his future grows. Despite a downturn in production relative to his stellar 2022 and 2023 seasons—when he hit 39 and 40 home runs respectively—he has still achieved 19 home runs this season, including four in his last five games. His offensive metrics show strength as his OPS+ sits at 123 and his slugging percentage is .427 across 107 games.
Since early July, the Braves have largely been out of the playoff picture, resulting in a more measured approach to Ozuna’s playing time, with him not appearing in every game. The possibility of his release would allow Atlanta to clear the remaining $2.5 million owed on his contract.
League Interest and Waiver Prospects for Ozuna
If the Braves decide to place Ozuna on waivers or release him, several teams could express interest given his power-hitting ability and right-handed bat. Analysts have noted Ozuna as a strong candidate for waiver acquisitions, especially among organizations looking for depth down the stretch. Despite the Braves’ past decisions to save payroll by non-tendering players like Griffin Canning and Ramón Laureano, shedding Ozuna’s salary might be tactically viable if balanced against roster needs.
His recent performances, such as a two-home-run game off Sandy Alcantara, demonstrate he still offers impactful offense. His consistent on-base percentage further enhances his appeal as a productive designated hitter option for contending teams gearing up for postseason play.
Why the Cincinnati Reds Could Pursue Ozuna
The Cincinnati Reds, currently engaged in a competitive playoff race, could view Ozuna as an ideal addition to bolster their lineup. His experience and power could provide offensive support to the Reds’ push toward the postseason. Although releasing a seasoned player like Ozuna might seem unconventional, the potential payoff for both the Braves and Reds is substantial, especially if Ozuna contributes meaningfully during the final stretch of play.
The Impact of Ozuna’s Potential Release on Both Teams
The decision regarding Marcell Ozuna’s status will likely reflect the Braves’ intent to build toward future competitiveness while offering other teams opportunities to strengthen their rosters. Should Atlanta move forward with releasing or waiving Ozuna, the Reds and other teams could capitalize by acquiring a power hitter who remains capable of influencing games at a critical point in the season. This scenario illustrates how strategic roster management influences outcomes beyond a single team’s ambitions.
“He’s shown he can still provide power and get on base, which makes him attractive for teams needing a boost down the stretch.” —Anonymous Analyst
“The Braves want to be smart with their payroll, especially when playoff hopes have faded.” —Front Office Representative