Braves Ready to Trade Marcell Ozuna — But the Shocking Twist Changes Everything!

Marcell Ozuna continues to be a hot name in Braves trade rumors, especially with Atlanta hovering near the .500 mark. The veteran slugger is slashing .247/.379/.406 this season over 335 plate appearances, with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.

But there’s a major wrinkle: Ozuna now holds full no-trade rights, as Buster Olney noted on X (formerly Twitter). After reaching 10-and-5 status—10 years in MLB, five with the same team—Ozuna can veto any potential trade. That gives him full control over his future, no matter how active the Braves might be in exploring the market.

And so far, there’s no indication Ozuna wants out. Despite a slight dip in production, he’s publicly stated he’s happy in Atlanta. He’s regained fan support, is comfortable in the clubhouse, and is once again contributing at a solid level. The Braves stood by him during a rocky stretch on and off the field, and that loyalty seems to matter.

At this point in his career, it’s hard to imagine Ozuna approving a trade just to be a short-term rental somewhere else. His $16 million salary for this season isn’t prohibitive, and moving him wouldn’t be about shedding a bad contract. Instead, it would likely be driven by roster fit or long-term payroll strategy.

According to ESPN, potential landing spots could include the Padres, Mariners, Tigers, Royals, Giants, Guardians, and Red Sox. But again, Ozuna holds the keys. Even if teams call and the Braves listen, nothing happens unless he agrees.

Could something still materialize? Possibly—if Atlanta falls out of contention and a top-tier contender makes a compelling pitch. But unless Ozuna sees a clear path to a World Series and feels ready for a change, a trade seems unlikely.

For now, the rumors will persist. Teams will check in. But the reality is simple: Marcell Ozuna isn’t just a trade piece—he’s a seasoned, productive veteran with full veto power and no rush to leave.