MLB insider claims Braves are risking long term future by refusing to trade Marcell Ozuna before deadline

The Atlanta Braves are struggling this season but two well-known MLB insiders believe the team won’t give up just yet. However, there might still be one or two players on the move if things don’t improve.

One of them is Marcell Ozuna. This has raised questions about the team’s future plans as the trade deadline comes closer.

Braves unlikely to sell before trade deadline but Marcell Ozuna could still be moved

According to Bob Nightengale, a respected MLB insider writing for USA Today, the Braves are not expected to become sellers at the trade deadline. He said in a recent report that Atlanta will likely keep their core players unless something drastic happens.He did, however, designate Marcell Ozuna as one player who could be traded.

After this season, 34-year-old Ozuna will be a free agent. With an OPS of .841, he is having a great year; yet, his performance is declining relative to prior years.

“Picking up Ozuna's $16 million was a no-brainer for Atlanta, while Travis d'Arnaud becomes a solid free agent for teams looking for catching help,” Bob Nightengale shared on X(formerly Twitter)Bob Nightengale believes if the Braves fall further behind in the standings, moving Marcell Ozuna could make sense.

Since he might not return next year anyway, trading him early could benefit the team in the long run. The Braves may use the opportunity to get some younger talent before the season ends.Also Read: "I Made A Mistake": When Marcelll Ozuna Apologized For Domestic Violence Controversy

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal explains when Braves might sell at deadline

Another insider, Ken Rosenthal, also shared his opinion. Speaking on Foul Territory, Rosenthal said he doesn’t think the Braves will sell unless things go very wrong. He explained that for the team to become sellers, they would have to be completely out of playoff contention.“They’ll have to fall out of it. They’ll have to be buried,” Rosenthal said. He added that with the current MLB format allowing three wild card spots, teams can still compete even if they’re close to a .500 record.Ken Rosenthal also named other possible trade options like Raisel Iglesias and Chris Sale, though he doesn’t believe Sale will actually be moved. He was just listing players who could attract interest if things go south.Both insiders agree the Braves won’t sell their big names unless their playoff chances disappear. But if that happens, Ozuna could be the first name on the move.