Can Braves dump Marcell Ozuna’s contract even if they wanted to?

The Atlanta Braves are having to navigate Marcell Ozuna and his contract. Would the Braves be able to dump the contract if they wanted to?

The Atlanta Braves aren’t in an enviable position when it comes to Marcell Ozuna and his contract. There’s a very strong ethical argument that can be made that the Braves must go out and release Ozuna, but unfortunately for Atlanta, getting rid of his contract won’t be something that’s easily done.

The Braves will have a tough time finding a way to get rid of Ozuna’s contract and with the way it’s structured, it looks like Atlanta might have to deal with the financial ramifications that come with that.

As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported back in May, finding a way to dump this contract would likely require some sort of help from MLB.

A suspension likely would have helped the Braves find a way to dump Ozuna’s contract, but the circumstances surrounding the retroactive suspension from MLB could potentially throw a wrench in any efforts to get rid of the contract.

Do the Atlanta Braves have an opportunity to get rid of Marcell Ozuna’s contract?

While Atlanta might want a way to get Ozuna off their payroll, there’s no guarantee that this will actually be a feasible move.

Unfortunately for the Braves, that means they’re likely paying Ozuna the remainder of his contract. If that’s the case, the Braves would be on the hook for paying Ozuna $16 million a year through 2024. While there is a club option for 2025, there’s essentially no way the Braves would ever consider exercising it.

Given the nature of Ozuna’s contract and the controversy surrounding him, it’s probably nearly impossible for the Braves to find another team that would be willing to add him to their roster.

Unless something changes with Ozuna’s situation and the legal circumstances he is currently facing or could face, Atlanta is going to be dealing with this contract for a little while.