Marcell Ozuna Trade Reportedly Generating Buzz Amid 2025 MLB Deadline Rumors

There is "movement developing" around a potential trade for Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna in the two days leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, ESPN's Buster Olney reported Tuesday.

According to Olney, "at least one team has had internal conversations about trying to work out a deal for the slugger."

Olney went on to speculate that the San Diego Padres could be an "interesting" landing spot for Ozuna:

MLB insider Héctor Gómez reported on July 22 that trade talks regarding Ozuna had "intensified" between the Braves and Padres, although MLB.com's Mark Bowman wrote the next day that his sources said the two clubs "haven't had any discussions of any kind" about Ozuna.

Ozuna has the ability to veto any trade under MLB's 10-and-5 rights.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale previously reported he is "expected to approve any deal if the team guarantees him everyday playing time" after losing his spot in the Braves' starting lineup this summer.

Ozuna has been in and out of the Braves' batting order this July as the Braves have experimented with putting catchers Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin in the lineup.

The Braves added veteran catcher Sandy León to the roster on July 21, opening the possibility that León could back up while Murphy and Baldwin remain in the catcher and DH spots.

Ozuna drew back into the lineup against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, when he may have helped up his trade value by hitting his first home run since July 12.

Ozuna, who will turn 35 in November, is currently playing in his 13th MLB season and his sixth with the Braves.

He is slashing .233/.361/.393 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI through 96 games this season, a significant drop from the .302 batting average and .925 OPS that helped him earn an All-Star nod in 2023.

Ozuna is also making $16 million this season on an expiring contract that could make him an attractive target for a club looking for a way to boost their offense at the deadline without committing to a long-term contract.

If the Braves ultimately decide to move on from Ozuna, the club has until Thursday at 6 p.m. ET to find a landing spot for the veteran.