Braves Trade Pitcher Petersen, Consider Selling Ozuna Amid Playoff Struggles

The Atlanta Braves are enduring a disappointing 2025 season, currently holding a 42-53 record and well out of postseason contention, prompting a likely sell-off of expiring assets such as designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is expected to be traded by the deadline. Despite the challenging season, the Braves have declared ace pitcher Chris Sale off limits for trades, valuing him as the core of their rotation and betting on his recovery and continued dominance after a strong performance prior to his injury. The team recently traded struggling reliever Michael Petersen to the Miami Marlins for cash considerations, reflecting minor roster adjustments rather than a full rebuild. Catcher Sean Murphy, though a rumored trade target for the San Diego Padres, is expected to remain with the Braves as they weigh the benefits of his contract and the rise of prospect Drake Baldwin. Overall, the Braves are balancing a patient approach, holding on to key players like Sale while moving veterans with expiring contracts to rebuild strategically rather than executing a full teardown this season.