Braves' Brian Snitker Facing Backlash After Marcell Ozuna Decision

Braves' Brian Snitker Facing Backlash After Marcell Ozuna Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna is in his 13th major-league season and his sixth with the Atlanta Braves.

The 34-year-old veteran began his career with the Miami Marlins, debuting in 2013. He emerged as a star in his final two seasons with Miami in 2016 and 2017, earning two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger award and a Gold Glove in left field.

After a two-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, Ozuna arrived in Atlanta and has been a force offensively since. Over 628 games during his Braves tenure, he has 140 home runs, a .268 batting average and an .843 OPS.

Following his third All-Star appearance in 2024 and a fourth-place finish in NL MVP voting, Ozuna has struggled mightily this year.

As a result, manager Brian Snitker decided to limit Ozuna’s role and will have Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin flip-flop between catcher and designated hitter. He did not discuss the change directly with Ozuna; instead, he addressed the team yesterday and made it clear that the most productive players will be in the lineup.

Snit said he didn't talk to Ozuna about his intention to have Murphy and Baldwin flip-flop between the C and DH spots going forward. He said the message was delivered when he addressed the team yesterday and made it clear the most productive players will be in the lineup.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 19, 2025

Braves fans voiced their frustration with Snitker’s decision on X.

"I got a feeling this won’t end well and he’ll end up vetoing a trade," said one fan.

Another wrote, "Too little too late."

"I don't think Ozuna should be disrespected earlier in the year he carried the team," said another.

One fan added, "He should talk to Ozuna privately as well. What is he doing?"

"That’s weak in my opinion. Talk to the man directly since it’s his issue," said one more.

In 90 games this season, Ozuna is batting .239 with a .762 OPS and 13 home runs. As the Braves’ season has continued to spiral and the club battles inconsistency, the aging slugger’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, given his contract expires at the end of the season.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.