November 1, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Marcell Ozuna, the Atlanta Braves’ three-time All-Star designated hitter whose tenure swung from clubhouse savior to contract-year slump, is headed for free agency — and Bleacher Report predicts a division-rival twist that could sting less than expected. At age 35, Ozuna is forecasted to sign a one-year, $13 million pact with the New York Mets, replacing Starling Marte as their primary DH. But for Braves Nation, this “betrayal” might just clear the path for a brighter 2026.
Ozuna’s 2025 was a far cry from his 40-HR explosions in 2023 and 2024: a .232 AVG, 21 HR, and 68 RBI over 145 games, marred by a late-season pinch-hit demotion. Yet, his redemption arc — from 2021 DUI fallout to vocal leader mentoring slumping stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. — earned back trust. Atlanta’s DH void looms large, but with too many roster holes (rotation depth, shortstop), internal options like Matt Olson or prospects could step up.
“If the Mets do sign Ozuna, it won’t be the end of the world,” Bleacher Report‘s Tim Kelly noted. “He’s getting older and seems to be in decline… but he can still provide a great option against left-handed starters.”
Ozuna’s Braves Rollercoaster: From Redemption to Rebuild Fuel
Season
Key Stats
Role/Impact
2021
.263 AVG, 20 HR
Signed 1-yr “prove-it” deal; rebuilt trust post-legal issues
2023–24
.282 AVG, 80 HR combined
All-Star slugger, clubhouse anchor
2025
.232 AVG, 21 HR, 68 RBI
Slump city; pinch-hit usage, but vocal mentor
Ozuna’s patience at the plate (career .338 OBP) edges Marte’s speed, making him a logical Mets fit — especially if Pete Alonso walks, forcing New York to “buy low” on power. For Atlanta? Salary relief ($13M freed up) and a clean slate to chase Ha-Seong Kim or Ronald Acuña Jr. extension talks.
Why Mets Make Sense — And Why Braves Shouldn’t Sweat It
NY Need: Marte’s FA exit leaves DH gaping; Ozuna’s .916 OPS from 2023–24 screams rebound potential vs. LHP.
Cost-Controlled Gamble: 1-yr, $13M — low-risk for a contender eyeing October.
Braves Benefit: Opens $220M payroll for pitching (e.g., Charlie Morton return) or youth infusion. Internal DH candidates: Drake Baldwin (prospect) or platoon tweaks.
Rival Risk? Minimal: Ozuna’s decline (.761 OPS in ’25) tempers NL East threat; Mets pivot buys Atlanta time to reload.
“The Braves could very well bring him back… if the cost is right. However, there are too many areas to address.”
The Silver Lining for Atlanta
This isn’t a gut-punch — it’s a strategic reset. Ozuna’s exit ends a “tumultuous tenure” on his terms, preserving goodwill. GM Alex Anthopoulos can now prioritize injury-proof depth over a fading bat, turning $13M into rotation reinforcements like Michael Lorenzen or a Tarik Skubal trade chip.
Braves fans: Breathe easy. Ozuna in Queens? Annoying. But it just handed Atlanta the keys to contention.
From feared worst to quiet win — Ozuna’s “move” might be Atlanta’s offseason gift.
