The Atlanta Braves didn’t expect to be in this position.

They’ve struggled more in the 2025 season than they would’ve planned for or hoped for.

Now, they’re shaping up to be at least partial sellers at the MLB trade deadline.

Advertisement

Given their overall talent level, the Braves probably won’t fully blow the team up. But they should look to trade away expiring contracts.

The prime candidate for that would be Marcell Ozuna, the right-handed slugger making $16 million this season.

MLB Trade Rumors lists Ozuna as a top trade candidate, with this explanation:

“It doesn’t seem as though the Braves will be all that keen on trading players controlled beyond the season, but Ozuna is a free agent who can’t be tendered a qualifying offer because he already received one earlier in his career. The 34-year-old slugger’s power output is down this year, but he’s still ripped 11 homers en route to a .242/.370/.389 batting line (116 wRC+). This year’s 16.7% walk rate is a career best, and Ozuna’s batted-ball metrics on Statcast remain excellent.”

Advertisement

MORE: Astros accused of cheating by Dodgers broadcast

The Braves have also been urged to trade away a couple relievers, which is a classic move for a team out of contention.

Whether or not they go beyond that and deal someone like the scuffling Ozzie Albies is much less certain.

But there will almost certainly be movement out of Atlanta at this deadline, something nobody planned for.

MORE MLB NEWS: