Major League Baseball’s hot stove season has arrived, giving all 30 teams opportunities to reshape their rosters for 2026 through trades and free-agent signings. The Atlanta Braves are one of the most intriguing clubs to watch this offseason. After failing to reach the 2025 postseason, their front office is looking to rebound by making smart personnel choices.
A major decision centers on designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, now a free agent. Atlanta has already made a few minor moves—such as bringing back closer Raisel Iglesias and acquiring Mauricio Dubón—but fans are eager to know whether the team plans to keep its three-time All-Star power hitter.
Should the Atlanta Braves re-sign Marcell Ozuna? That’s the million-dollar question the Braves’ front office is facing this offseason. He is the team’s most notable free agent, and after a semi-down season in 2025, Atlanta may not want to extend him a contract offer.
In a recent piece by Sports Illustrated’s Harrison Smajovits, the Braves writer urges the team to cut ties with Marcell Ozuna:
“One Not to Re-Sign: Marcell Ozuna”
“Some will agree with this. Some very much won’t. That’s just how it is. Would it be a surprise if they brought Ozuna back? Not at all. A lower price tag would help. However, it’s time to move on. The Braves, looking to potentially rotate Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin at DH, have shown they could be willing to.
Braves Predicted to Cut Ties with 3-Time All-Star Amid Offseason Decisions
Major League Baseball’s hot stove season is here, giving all 30 MLB clubs the chance to make necessary roster additions heading into the 2026 season via trade or free agency. The Atlanta Braves are a very interesting organization to follow this offseason. After missing the 2025 playoffs, Atlanta’s front office will attempt to make amends by making the right roster decisions.
One of those big roster decisions is what to do with DH Marcell Ozuna, who is a current free agent. The Braves have made a few small moves, like re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias and trading for Mauricio Dubón, but many fans are wondering if Atlanta will retain its three-time All-Star slugger.
What Are Marcell Ozuna’s Contract Demands?
It’s unclear what Marcell Ozuna’s contract demands are at this moment, but as the article from SI indicates, Atlanta could transition Drake Baldwin or Sean Murphy to more of a DH role, and allocate the money saved on Ozuna for another starting pitcher or infield bat.
Over six seasons with the Braves, Ozuna has hit 148 home runs and posted an OPS+ of 127. He was named to the All-Star team in 2024. Ozuna hit 40 home runs in 2023 and 39 in 2024.
As the MLB winter meetings commence, it will be interesting to see what reports are revealed regarding the Braves and their offseason plans.
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