The Atlanta Braves have been hesitant to consider themselves sellers this season, but that stance may be shifting as they enter the unofficial second half of the year.
On July 13, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Braves might start listening to offers for players on expiring contracts. More recently, MLB insider Jon Heyman mentioned designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as a possible trade candidate.
“Heyman predicted that Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna ‘is gonna get traded,'” wrote Doric Sam of Bleacher Report. “He noted that the Braves ‘are gonna have to sell the pieces that are, at this point, on expiring contracts’ and added that Ozuna is unlikely to receive a qualifying offer from Atlanta.”
Back on June 27, Sports Illustrated’s Nick Selbe and Will Laws listed five potential destinations for Ozuna, with the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers standing out as the most intriguing.
A Potential Braves-Tigers Trade
Atlanta Braves receive:
- OF Robert Campos (Tigers’ No. 21 prospect)
- SS Justice Bigbie (Tigers’ No. 26 prospect)
Detroit Tigers receive:
- DH Marcell Ozuna
In a mock trade earlier this week, the Braves were projected to receive two prospects for second baseman Ozzie Albies. Given that Ozuna has been a stronger hitter this season, his trade value could arguably be higher — despite dealing with a lingering hip issue since April and being in the final year of his contract.
Because of that injury and contract status, Detroit might only need to part with prospects outside of their top 20 to get a deal done. In this proposed trade, Atlanta would still acquire two MLB-ready hitters per MLB.com’s evaluations, which would help improve their bench depth for a future playoff push, perhaps as soon as 2026.
For the Tigers, Ozuna would fill a pressing need at designated hitter — one of the weakest spots in their lineup. Detroit DHs have combined to hit just .221 with a .724 OPS across 430 plate appearances, contributing 15 home runs and 49 RBIs.
Ozuna, meanwhile, is hitting .239 with a .762 OPS, 13 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 37 runs in 90 games this season. While he hasn’t matched his All-Star production from 2023 — when he slashed .302/.378/.546 with 39 homers and 104 RBIs — he still represents a significant upgrade.
If Ozuna’s health improves in the second half, the Tigers could get a spark from one of the league’s most dangerous bats of the past year. Even a slightly improved version of Ozuna could help Detroit solidify its postseason hopes — and offer a boost to fantasy managers as well.
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