Braves rumors: 3 ways Atlanta can finally get rid of Marcell Ozuna

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves on the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on April 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves on the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on April 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 12: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves watches after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of an MLB game against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on April 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves could trade Marcell Ozuna

As with benching Ozuna, trading him would likely require Atlanta to take on some portion of his salary, unless they plan to take on another bad contract in return.

Ozuna’s deal has just under two years remaining on it, and he’s scheduled to make $16 million in 2024. The front office has a club option in 2025, and could easily elect to let Ozuna go that winter should he make it so far.

Not to mention, Ozuna’s trade value leaves much to be desired. He’s certainly not going to net a prospect return, and unless the Braves attach some young players of their own to his contract, they aren’t going to receive anyone of value.

Every trade scenario I’ve written regarding Ozuna — and trust me, there have been plenty — typically involves Atlanta netting a player to replace him, rather than a deal involving him. I’m not changing my stance now.