Conflicting Reports Surround Marcell Ozuna Trade Rumor Between Braves and Padres
Andrew Hansen
Published May 15, 2026
Conflicting Reports Surround Marcell Ozuna Trade Rumor Between Braves and Padres
While Gómez reports intensified talks, beat writer Mark Bowman denies any negotiations.
July 25, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 25, 2026
The Braves are exploring trade options for Marcell Ozuna to focus on their future beyond 2026.
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly in discussions with the San Diego Padres to trade designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, according to a report from MLB insider Héctor Gómez.
In exchange, the Braves could right-handed pitchers Francis Peña and Ryan Bergert, two promising arms from the Padres’ farm system.
Ozuna’s time with the Braves appears to be nearing an end.
The 34-year-old slugger, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, had struggled since early June when it was revealed that he had been playing through a hip tear.
Over the past two weeks, Atlanta has mostly benched him in favor of catchers Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin, using the designated hitter slot as a rotation spot.
The Braves, currently 13 games under .500 (44-57), have seen their postseason hopes collapse.
Manager Brian Snitker admitted that the team’s focus has shifted toward 2026 and beyond, which makes moving Ozuna a logical step.
“It’s part of this business. It’s not for the light-hearted,” Snitker .
SOURCE: Trade talks between and have intensified. The are very interested in landing Marcell Ozuna. According to the source, the would receive Padres' No. 18 prospect RHP Francis Peña and No. 21 prospect RHP Ryan Bergert.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27)
The San Diego Padres, at 55-46 and aiming for a postseason run, are actively looking to bolster their lineup.
Adding Ozuna’s bat could give them a boost down the stretch. Despite his recent struggles, Ozuna still owns a .749 OPS this season, with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs across 92 games.
His track record suggests he could thrive in a stronger lineup like San Diego’s.
According to Gómez, the Padres’ offer includes No. 18 prospect Francis Peña, a 24-year-old reliever with a fastball touching 100 mph, and No. 21 prospect Ryan Bergert, who has shown promise as a future back-end starter.
This could be Ozuna's final at-bat for the Braves at Truist Park.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman)
While Gómez has reported that trade talks have “intensified,” Braves beat writer Mark Bowman contradicted that claim, stating that the two teams have not had any discussions. Nonetheless, speculation has only grown louder.
During Wednesday’s broadcast against the San Francisco Giants, FanDuel Sports broadcasters Brandon Gaudin and C.J. Nitkowski even suggested that Ozuna’s pinch-hit appearance might have been his final at-bat at Truist Park.
Ozuna holds full trade veto rights due to his 10 years of MLB service and five years with the Braves.
However, his diminished role in Atlanta and looming free agency could make him more willing to waive those rights for a fresh start on a playoff contender.
The Braves’ recent 2-4 homestand has only increased the likelihood of moves before the July 31 trade deadline.
Ace pitcher Spencer Strider voiced his frustration, saying,
“It’s embarrassing. We’ve had a million opportunities to make adjustments and just haven’t done it.”
Strider, who has been one of the team’s few bright spots with a 2.83 ERA over his last eight starts, acknowledged that the team’s struggles could lead to players like Ozuna being traded.
What’s Next?: With the trade deadline fast approaching, all eyes remain on whether the Braves will finalize a deal with the Padres—or another contender—for Ozuna. The outcome could shape both teams’ seasons, with Atlanta looking to retool for the future and San Diego pushing for a deep October run.
Stay tuned as the Marcell Ozuna trade rumor continues to develop.
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