It's been a tough year for the Atlanta Braves. After seven straight seasons in the postseason, including six National League East titles, the team is 28-38 and well out of postseason contention.
While there is still time for Atlanta to turn things around, they have dug themselves a big hole, and may be forced to sell at the trade deadline rather than try to improve their roster.
One of their biggest trade chips could be designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report lists him as the third-best slugger available with the deadline looming.
"For the first time in a long time, the Braves might be sellers at the trade deadline," Miller wrote. "If that's the case, the bidding war for Marcell Ozuna's services might be the story of the summer."
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Ozuna is hitting .257/.395/.423 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI and an .818 OPS. He has been with the Braves since 2022 and has been one of their top sluggers.
But he is in the final year of his contract with Atlanta, and teams will likely come calling for his services if they want to make a run.
Chances of the Braves coming out of their funk appear to be slim. In that case, it appears likely that Atlanta will ultimately be a seller rather than a buyer.
Ozuna is a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and a former Gold Glove winner. The 34-year-old still has a strong track record of success to fall back on.
But Atlanta could bring back a solid haul for him if they trade him and possibly set themselves up well for 2026 and beyond.
We'll see what the Braves decide to do.
More MLB: Braves predicted to send just one player to 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta