The Atlanta Braves have been rather quiet this summer. While their roster does not require many changes, they have not been in talks to sign any key players. Starting pitcher Max Fried has already left Atlanta for the New York Yankees, and veteran Charlie Morton is expected to follow.
The Braves might still re-sign Morton, but it appears doubtful. The situation next offseason could be considerably more difficult. Zachary Rotman of FanSided anticipates that the Braves may split ways with their star designated hitter before the 2026 season. He is due to become a free agency after the 2025 season, and Spotrac predicts he will sign a four-year contract worth $77 million.
Ozuna, 34, has now become a designated hitter solely. If he performs similarly to last season or close to it, the Braves are unlikely to be prepared to pay him what he’s going to command on the free market. As Rotman points out, this is the same franchise that saw key players such as Freddie Freeman, Max Fried, and Dansby Swanson leave for free agency. Alex Anthopoulos is anticipated to look for a more cheap (and potentially better) option, as he has in the past, rather than paying Ozuna close to market value given his age and incapacity to perform on the field.
It appears improbable that the Braves will commit $25 million per year to an elderly designated hitter, regardless of his contributions to the team. Other teams may be willing to pay Ozuna’s salary demands, but Atlanta will not. As Rotman says, 2025 is likely to be Ozuna’s final season with the Braves.
About The Author
