The Atlanta Braves are 35-39 and 5 1/2 games out of a wild card spot in the National League, going into play on Friday. While they are trying to make a postseason push, they may still trade some stars.
During an appearance on 680 The Fan’s “Cellini and Dimino,” Alex Anthopoulos noted that the Braves would not be sellers and are trying to be in a position to add at the deadline. However, that may not necessarily stop them from trading Marcell Ozuna, who will be a free agent after the season. The Braves have won three straight series and just swept the New York Mets. However, they still have plenty of work to do if they want to make the postseason.
The tight nature of the division race may force them to make some mixed moves. Trading Ozuna would not necessarily spell the end of their season, but it would help them for the future in case they cannot complete the turnaround and reach the postseason. If they fall out of contention between now and the deadline, Anthopoulos would almost have to trade Ozuna. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden proposed this trade proposal that ships Ozuna to the Texas Rangers:
- Braves receive: Kohl Drake
- Rangers receive: Marcell Ozuna
“The Rangers’ offense has been inconsistent this season, and it looks like they need an impact middle-of-the order bat,” wrote Bowden. “Ozuna would be a potential solution if the Braves decide to sell at the trade deadline. (They are 5 1/2 games out of the final NL wild-card spot but are still five games below .500.). Ozuna, 34, is slashing .253/.381/.418 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs. He’s ranked fourth in the majors in walks (52) and is on pace to set a career-high. Ozuana batted .302 with 39 homers and 104 RBIs last year and will be a free agent after this season.
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“In return, the Braves would acquire Drake, an 11th-round pick in 2022, who has a 2.74 ERA over 11 starts with 68 strikeouts and 20 walks in 49 1/3 innings this season at Double A. Law ranked Drake, 24, 11th in the Rangers’ farm system entering this season.”
Ozuna signed a four-year, $65 million deal with the Braves before the 2021 season. He is playing on a $16 million club option this year. The Braves may be willing to let him walk, and if their postseason chances are slim, they would be wise to get something in return for him. Even if they are in contention, trading Ozuna might be smart as a way to get Drake Baldwin in the lineup every day.
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