Although there is always conjecture surrounding the MLB trade deadline, a daring offer this summer has the potential to rock the league. The Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna, a $65 million star whose bat could change Cincinnati’s chances of making the playoffs, is apparently being pursued by the Cincinnati Reds, a team that is on the verge of becoming a buyer or seller. A deal involving Ozuna and a bundle of young Reds talent is now conceivable since the Braves are looking for roster flexibility and the Reds are in dire need of a middle-of-the-order threat.
Since joining the Braves, Marcell Ozuna has been a formidable presence in the starting lineup. Ozuna is still a force in 2025; going into mid-July, he has 12 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a.236 batting average over 88 games. Ozuna’s advanced analytics are still outstanding, despite the fact that his recent numbers have declined from his 2023 and 2024 All-Star performances. He still has elite bat speed and power, as seen by his hard-hit rate of close to 50% and average exit velocity of over 91 mph. Ozuna’s arrival would be a game-changer for the Reds, who are currently near the bottom of the outfield OPS rankings.
Ozuna owes approximately $65 million, including incentives and his remaining income, under the terms of his five-year, $80 million contract, which was signed through 2025. Given their salary flexibility and the desire to recruit proven run producers, the Reds can afford that substantial financial commitment. In their quest for a Wild Card spot, the Reds’ outfield has suffered from injuries and inconsistent play, and their dearth of a true power bat has been a clear vulnerability.
Why the Braves Would Consider a Deal for Marcel Ozuna
The Braves, who are always in the running, are in a special situation. Atlanta’s depth has been put to the test by an offensive that isn’t functioning well and injuries to important players. Ozuna has been a regular at designated hitter, but the Braves may decide to move his contract in light of the rise of younger, more adaptable players and the need to address pitching depth. The executive management in Atlanta has never hesitated to make bold decisions, particularly if doing so will reposition the team for a lengthy postseason run.
Cincinnati’s front office, under the leadership of seasoned manager Terry Francona, has shown it’s ready to be aggressive at the trade deadline. The Reds are only a few games out of a Wild Card spot, thanks to solid pitching and a promising young core led by Elly De La Cruz. Still, their offense has struggled—particularly in the outfield and at first base. Adding a reliable hitter like Ozuna could be the key to igniting a playoff push.
As for Atlanta, parting with Ozuna wouldn’t be easy, but it may be the smart move considering the team’s injury challenges and uncertain postseason prospects. The Braves have been hesitant to trade players with team control beyond 2025, but Ozuna—set to become a free agent—is a notable exception. Trading him now would allow Atlanta to bring in young, cost-controlled talent while also freeing up payroll for future transactions.
The proposed trade
An actual Reds-Braves deal for Marcell Ozuna may look like this:
The Cincinnati Reds are given:
Cash considerations for Marcell Ozuna (to offset remaining 2025 salary)
The Atlanta Braves are given:
Marte Noelvi
Martinez, Nick
Sal Stewart
This trade proposal provides the Reds with a much-needed boost of power and veteran leadership as they gear up for a playoff run. Ozuna would immediately step in as the everyday designated hitter, offering lineup protection for Elly De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario in the middle of the order. Including cash in the deal helps Cincinnati handle the remainder of Ozuna’s contract, making the move more manageable financially.
On the Braves’ side, the return is substantial. Noelvi Marte, a former top-30 prospect, has shown glimpses of elite talent when healthy and locked in. His versatility across the infield makes him a valuable fit for an Atlanta team dealing with injuries and inconsistent performance. Nick Martinez adds depth to the pitching staff, bringing experience as both a starter and reliever—useful either down the stretch or as part of another trade. Sal Stewart, a promising young third baseman, has the potential to become a long-term asset.
For Cincinnati, this move signals a firm commitment to contending not only in 2025 but in future seasons as well. Adding Ozuna’s power to a lineup built around speed and contact may be the final piece needed for a strong playoff push.
Conversely, Atlanta has a head start on retooling. Martinez offers instant pitching depth, while Stewart and Marte offer long-term potential. The Braves also get salary flexibility, which will be important in the summer as they try to re-sign key players and take care of other roster requirements.
A Marcell Ozuna-centered Reds-Braves trade is not only a headline-grabbing agreement, but it also meets both teams’ requirements at a pivotal moment. Atlanta restocks its farm system and gets ready for the future, while Cincinnati acquires the middle-of-the-order bat they sorely need. This is the kind of audacious move that might change the National League playoff landscape as the deadline draws near—and create the conditions for an October that will never be forgotten.