Will Marcell Ozuna Waive His No-Trade Clause? Braves Slugger Linked to Contenders

By Oliver Wiener July 18, 2025 10:16

As the July 31 trade deadline looms, Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna’s status has become a hot topic in baseball circles, fueled by both on-field performance and his unique contractual rights. Despite Atlanta’s official stance of not being sellers, multiple reports confirm Ozuna is available for trade talks. But the real question remains: Will Ozuna waive his “10-and-5” no-trade clause and accept a change of scenery?

Ozuna’s 10-and-5 rights granted after 10 years of major league service and five consecutive seasons with the same team give him full veto power over any trade. This rule, though lesser-known among casual fans, has significant influence on trade possibilities. As ESPN insider Buster Olney pointed out earlier this season, “Ozuna can reject any trade, no need for it to be separately negotiated. This gives him control over his destination.” Such power can drastically limit Atlanta’s options, forcing the team to carefully consider whether a prospective trade partner is appealing to Ozuna.

The 34-year-old designated hitter’s performance in 2025 has been a mixed bag. Starting the year fresh off an All-Star 2024 campaign where he finished fourth in NL MVP voting Ozuna’s numbers have dipped but remain respectable. Over 89 games, he’s slashing .239/.??/.?? with 13 homers, 11 doubles, and 42 RBIs, posting a .761 OPS. While these stats don’t match his peak productivity, they still make him a valuable bat for teams seeking power in their lineup.

The Braves find themselves 42-52 and fourth in the NL East, fading from playoff contention. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos initially maintained the team’s intention to “not sell”, aiming to add pieces and compete. But recent struggles, injuries, and the looming offseason decision about Ozuna’s $16 million club option have pushed Atlanta toward contemplating a sell-off of expiring contracts like Ozuna’s.

Trade analysts and insiders sense a growing inevitability. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Braves are “making Marcell Ozuna available” but stressed Atlanta won’t trade players on multi-year deals before winter. The sticking point, however, remains Ozuna’s consent. SportsTalkATL’s Mark Powell proposed that trading Ozuna could open opportunities for rookie catcher Drake Baldwin to get more at-bats at DH, underscoring a rebuild mindset.

So which contenders could snag Ozuna assuming he waives his no-trade rights? Teams gearing up for the stretch run and lacking dependable power are obvious fits. Clubs like the Mets, Blue Jays, or even the Dodgers have been floated as potential suitors, though Ozuna’s preference and family considerations will heavily influence any move. Historical precedent offers clues: Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips once waived similar rights to facilitate a surprising trade, but such examples are exceptions rather than the rule.

What would Ozuna gain by waiving? A chance to play meaningful baseball in a playoff atmosphere, put himself on a big-market stage, and potentially boost his free-agent value at season’s end. Conversely, staying in Atlanta means finishing the season with a struggling team but in familiar surroundings.

In the words of Jon Heyman, a respected MLB insider, “Marcell Ozuna is likely to get traded before the deadline. The Braves need to sell expiring contracts, and Ozuna fits that bill but whether he agrees to a move remains critical.”

At this crossroads, the decision rests with Ozuna. His choice will shape not only his own career trajectory but also the Braves’ path forward determining if the veteran slugger remains a Brave in 2025’s second half or becomes a sought-after piece for a contender hungry to add power and experience.