Before 2026, the Braves are expected to sever ties with the $77 million MVP candidate.
This summer, the Atlanta Braves have been unexpectedly quiet. The Braves haven’t even been included among the clubs threatening to sign any of the big-name players, despite the fact that their squad doesn’t require many additions. Veteran Charlie Morton is anticipated to join starting pitcher Max Fried, who has already departed Atlanta for the New York Yankees. Morton might still be re-signed by the Braves, but it doesn’t appear probable. Additionally, the upcoming offseason may be much worse. Zachary Rotman of FanSided has projected that the Braves would fire standout designated hitter Marcell Ozuna prior to the 2026 campaign. Spotrac predicts that Ozuna will get a four-year, $77 million contract when he becomes a free agency at the end of the 2025 season. “Ozuna is 34 years old and a DH exclusively at this stage of his career.
It’s difficult to blame the Braves for not paying him what he’s worth on the free market if he has a year similar to the one he just had or accomplishes anything similar. Rotman noted, “Remember, this is the same team that saw players like Dansby Swanson, Max Fried, and Freddie Freeman enter free agency.” “Alex Anthopoulos will find a cheaper (and perhaps better) alternative like he always seems to,
instead of paying Ozuna market value or even close to it, considering his age and his inability to play the field.” No matter how excellent an elderly designated hitter has been for the Braves, it is improbable that they will pay $25 million annually for him. Atlanta won’t be the only team in the league willing to give Ozuna the money he desires. As Rotman notes, it’s reasonable to believe that Ozuna’s 2025 season will probably be his last with the Braves.
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