Braves Predicted To Cut Ties With $16M Three-Time All-Star: ‘Not Coming Back’
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Jackson Roberts is a Newsweek contributor based in Hoboken, NJ. His focus is MLB content. Jackson has been with Newsweek since July of 2025 and previously worked at The Sporting News and MLB Network. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Jackson by emailing j.roberts@newsweek.com
Jackson Roberts
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Atlanta Braves’ season hasn’t gone as planned, and now we’re left to wonder how their roster will be reshaped moving forward.
After seven straight years of playoff appearances, the Braves are going to be lucky to win 70 games. The injury bug has claimed half of the team’s stars again, and many key contributors have flat-out failed to perform.
Marcell Ozuna, the three-time All-Star designated hitter, ranks high on the list of disappointments. After slugging 79 home runs with an OPS over .900 from 2023 to 2024, Ozuna was so mediocre this season that the Braves seemingly couldn’t find anything of value for him at the trade deadline last week.
A detailed view of a hat and glove during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves on October 3, 2012 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A detailed view of a hat and glove during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves on October 3, 2012 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Does that mean the writing is on the wall for Ozuna to leave Atlanta in free agency this winter? John Buhler of FanSided certainly thinks so, as he expressed in a prediction published on Thursday.
“Ozuna was put on the trading block at the deadline, but the Braves got no takers. He is not coming back next season, we know that for sure,” Buhler wrote.
“Despite not turning 35 until the offseason, Ozuna’s streaky nature at the plate, declining glove in recent years and his issues with the law will all contribute to him not making nearly as much as he did with the Braves on his most recent contract. The money is going to dry up.”
With a .776 OPS and 16 home runs in 104 games, Ozuna is still a useful major league bat, but the fact that he can’t hold down a defensive position is troublesome.
There’s also the lingering hip injury that’s weighed him down since April, which may be a long-term concern, or may be reason to believe he can rebound next season if fully healthy.
There’s little to no chance Ozuna improves upon the $16 million salary he got this season from his club option, but someone will be intrigued enough by his past production to offer him a contract. Is there any chance still that the Braves could be that team?
More MLB: Mets Legend Darryl Strawberry Responds to Pete Alonso Nearing Home Run Record
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