The Atlanta Braves have been unexpectedly quiet this offseason. While their roster doesn’t require many improvements, they haven’t been mentioned as contenders for signing any of the high-profile players.
Starting pitcher Max Fried has already departed Atlanta for the New York Yankees, and veteran Charlie Morton is expected to follow suit. While the Braves could still bring Morton back, it seems unlikely. The following offseason could potentially be even more challenging.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman has forecasted that the Braves will part ways with star designated hitter Marcell Ozuna before the 2026 season. Ozuna is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, at which point Spotrac predicts he will sign a four-year, $77 million contract.
“Ozuna is 34 years old and, at this stage in his career, is limited to being a DH. If he repeats or even comes close to his recent performance, the Braves will almost certainly avoid paying him what he’s likely to earn on the open market (and it’s hard to blame them for that). Keep in mind, this is the same organization that saw players like Freddie Freeman, Max Fried, and Dansby Swanson leave via free agency,” Rotman wrote. “Alex Anthopoulos will likely find a more affordable (and possibly better) option, as he always does, rather than paying Ozuna close to his market value, given his age and lack of ability to play in the field.”
It’s improbable that the Braves will commit $25 million a year to an aging designated hitter, regardless of his past contributions to the team. Many other teams will be willing to offer Ozuna the money he desires, but Atlanta is unlikely to be one of them. As Rotman suggests, it’s reasonable to expect that 2025 will probably be Ozuna’s final season with the Braves.
