The Atlanta Braves seem like a team that could be soft sellers at the trade deadline. They are not likely to trade away players like Ronald Acuña Jr. or other superstars, but they could part ways with some pending free agents.
The Atlanta Braves seem like a team that could be soft sellers at the trade deadline. They are not likely to trade away players like Ronald Acuña Jr. or other superstars, but they could part ways with some pending free agents.
Marcell Ozuna could be the most likely Braves player to get dealt at this year's trade deadline. He will be a free agent after the season, and he is not having the best season. Manager Brian Snitker commented on his playing time, further hinting that a trade is coming.
"If he's going to be here, he's going to play every now and then," Snitker told Barrett Sallee of "680 The Fan."
The Braves are not going to continue to pay Ozuna to be a bench bat and then watch him walk in free agency. Instead, if Snitker wants to use Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin as his catcher and designated hitter combination, Ozuna could be valuable to a needy offense.
Even though Ozuna is not having the best year, he has a 112 OPS+. A team that needs some offense could be willing to bring him on for the stretch run. However, his lack of defensive ability might make it difficult to find a trade partner.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Ozuna could be a decent rental designated hitter for a team looking for some more slug. He is a low-risk addition, but it is becoming clear that Snitker does not envision Ozuna playing a huge role for the Braves moving forward.
More MLB: Red Sox actively trying to cut ties with All-Star as deadline nears
Category: Baseball
