Atlanta Braves Retain Marcell Ozuna for 2025

The Atlanta Braves have exercised Marcell Ozuna's $16 million club option for the 2025 season, solidifying his role as the team's designated hitter. Ozuna, who delivered an impressive 2024 season with a .302 batting average, 39 home runs, and 104 RBIs, has become a crucial part of the Braves' lineup, helping them reach the postseason as a wild card team. Despite being exclusively a designated hitter, his performance ranks him among the top sluggers in the league. The Braves also made significant roster decisions by declining options for catcher Travis d'Arnaud and reliever Luke Jackson, making them free agents. These moves underscore the team's strategic planning for the upcoming season, which may include a qualifying offer to left-hander Max Fried. Ozuna has expressed a desire to remain with the Braves long-term, reflecting his strong ties to the team and its clubhouse culture.