After entering the 2025 season with championship aspirations, the Braves found themselves stumbling out of the gate. This has raised early concerns about their ability to keep pace in a competitive NL. Injuries, inconsistent pitching, and underwhelming offensive stretches all played a part in their shaky start. But lately, there are signs of a turnaround. The Braves have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, narrowing the gap in the NL East. But still way below the division-leading Mets.

Still, for all the recent momentum, questions remain about whether this version of the Braves can hang with the NL’s top-tier contenders. As the trade deadline looms on the horizon, the front office could be faced with tough decisions. One name that could surface in trade talks is Marcell Ozuna. The veteran slugger, who is set to hit free agency after the season, could become a valuable trade chip for the Braves.

“Things have improved over the last couple of weeks for Atlanta, but if, for some reason, they were to tank again, Ozuna being traded could become a reality.” According to FanSided’s Steven Teal, the Braves manager, Brian Snitker, may explore dealing Ozuna in the right scenario, particularly if a pitching upgrade is within reach.

Ozuna is 34 now, and it is unlikely that he will be in the circuit for a long time. In that case, the Braves might look for some future investments once Ozuna hits free agency post-2025. “The Braves have a lot of future commitments on the books.”

However, the decision contradicts the team’s aspiration to become the divisional winner. Well, because Ozuna, apart from being the biggest contributor to the team’s turnaround, is rivaling the great Aaron Judge in terms of on-base percentage! As ridiculous as it sounds, the Braves are still predicted to trade this name.

Yes, Ozuna’s resurgence is turning heads across the league. The veteran slugger is slashing an impressive .313/.473/.530 with 26 hits, including three doubles, five home runs, and 12 RBI. His 181 wRC+ ranks sixth among all MLB hitters, underscoring just how elite his offensive output has been.

But what truly sets Ozuna apart in 2025 is his plate discipline — a dramatic evolution in his approach. He’s drawn 26 walks compared to just 23 strikeouts. This is a league-best 23.6% walk rate, the highest of his career by far. That patience has fueled a .473 on-base percentage, second only to Aaron Judge in the majors! Yes, read that again, Ozuna’s OBP (.452) is second only to Judge’s (.507) this year.

Given all that, can you guess which team is coming on board with the Braves for Ozuna?

The probable friendship between the Braves and the Yankees 

The Yankees are surely off to a strong start this season. However, their recent offensive struggles have started to raise some red flags. As the trade deadline approaches, the front office could be in the market for a power bat to complement Aaron Judge in the heart of the lineup. Giancarlo Stanton has yet to make his season debut. Yes, he’s reportedly making progress toward a return, but the Bronx Bombers may not want to rely solely on his recovery.

Instead, they could look to bolster their lineup with a proven home run threat. Enter Marcell Ozuna. This trade would give the Yankees another disciplined, power-hitting presence capable of changing games with one swing.

But what will the Braves get from the trade?

Well, the Braves are expectedly to try to bolster their pitching department and can consider asking Clarke Schmidt from the Yankees. He is returning from injury, but can be a great value addition to the Braves’ rotation. However, it would be interesting to watch if the Yankees would let Schmidt go, leaving their pitching gasping. Anyway to goes, the Braves will ask for a few pitchers in exchange for Ozuna.

With a postseason berth still far from guaranteed, the Braves may have to weigh the long-term benefits of dealing Ozuna against the short-term hope of contending. Given his stellar performance and rising trade value, moving Ozuna at the deadline could be a strategic play. One that allows the Braves to replenish a farm system that’s thinned in recent years, rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

It’s a tough call for a franchise that still hopes to compete. However, if the right offer comes along, the Braves may decide that turning a hot bat into a future asset is the smarter move for sustained success.