Braves Projected To Cut Ties With $77 Million MVP Candidate Before 2026.

The Atlanta Braves have been unexpectedly quiet. The Braves haven’t even been listed among the teams threatening to sign any of the big-name players, despite the fact that their squad doesn’t need many additions.

Veteran Charlie Morton is anticipated to join starting pitcher Max Fried, who has already departed Atlanta for the New York Yankees. Morton could still be re-signed by the Braves, but it doesn’t appear likely. Additionally, the upcoming offseason might be even worse.

Zachary Rotman of FanSided has predicted that the Braves will fire standout designated hitter Marcell Ozuna prior to the 2026 campaign.

“Ozuna is 34 years old and a DH exclusively at this stage of his career. It’s difficult to blame the Braves for not paying him what he’s worth on the open market if he has a year similar to the one he just had or does anything similar. Rotman noted, “Remember, this is the same team that saw players like Dansby Swanson, Max Fried, and Freddie Freeman enter free agency.” “Alex Anthopoulos will find a cheaper (and perhaps better) alternative like he always seems to, instead of paying Ozuna market value or even close to it, considering his age and his inability to play the field.”

No matter how good an elderly designated hitter has been for the Braves, it is improbable that they will pay $25 million annually for him. Atlanta won’t be the only team in the league willing to give Ozuna the money he desires.

It’s safe to assume, as Rotman points out, that 2025 will likely be Ozuna’s final year with the Braves.