Padres Named ‘Best Fit’ for Braves Slugger Marcell Ozuna at Deadline

The Atlanta Braves are reportedly looking to move all of their expiring contracts at the trade deadline, including designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.

As the Braves have all but fallen out of the playoff race, MLB insider Jeff Passan believes the Padres are one of the teams that should be pursuing Ozuna too boost their chances of a deep playoff run.

“Ozuna is a stone-cold DH, playing two games in the field in 2023 as his last regular-season experience defensively,” wrote Passan. “Ozuna is also in a contract year, but his power numbers are down a notch from his standout .302 average and 39-homer performance last season. His on-base percentage remains among the highest of potential trade candidates. If anyone is moving from Atlanta, he’s the likeliest candidate, with free agency beckoning.”

The Padres have struggled to find consistency this season at the DH spot, so Ozuna would slot into the lineup right away for San Diego. Entering Monday, Ozuna was hitting .235 with 13 home runs, 42 RBI and an OPS+ of 112 despite some recent struggles.

“Best fits: San Diego, Seattle, Texas, Detroit, San Francisco,” wrote Passan.

General manager A.J. Preller has shown in the past that he’ll do whatever it takes to make his team as strong as possible heading into the final two months of the regular season and playoffs. He’s been creative about it in the past, and he will find new ways this year as well.

One aspect that works in the Padres’ favor is that Ozuna is a rental, so they will not have to send back as much to Atlanta as they would for a bat with even just an extra year of control. If Ozuna hits well for San Diego, Preller could look to re-sign him in the offseason.

More MLB: Yankees’ Pursuit of Third Baseman Eugenio Suarez Ramps Up Ahead of Deadline