The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging financial situation as they prepare for the 2025 season, with a key player, Marcell Ozuna, potentially becoming a free agent. The slugger is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and his stellar performance during the 2024 campaign could lead to him securing a significant contract on the open market. However, this presents a dilemma for the Braves, especially in the wake of Juan Soto’s massive contract with the New York Mets, which could have wide-reaching implications for MLB teams like the Braves.
Juan Soto recently signed a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, making him the highest-paid athlete in the history of professional team sports based on total value. This deal has reshaped the landscape of Major League Baseball, pushing player salaries to new heights and eliminating the traditional limits imposed by the luxury tax system. For the Braves, who will now face Soto 13 times per season, this deal signals a new era of free agency where the financial reach of teams will play an increasingly central role in player acquisitions.
The Braves, who have built a successful and competitive team over the last several years, may struggle to keep pace with the rising financial demands of the MLB market. This is particularly true for Marcell Ozuna, who had a standout year in 2024, leading the Braves in several offensive categories. At 34 years old, Ozuna is in the latter stages of his career, and his value as a designated hitter (DH) has made him a key asset for the Braves. However, his performance in 2024 could push his value on the open market to a point where the Braves might not be able to retain him.
Zachary Rotman of FanSided speculated that the Braves would likely be unable to compete with other teams when it comes to re-signing Ozuna. While the Braves exercised a $16 million club option to bring Ozuna back for the 2025 season, Rotman believes that this will be Ozuna’s final year with the Braves. The reasoning behind this prediction stems from Ozuna’s age and the fact that he is primarily a DH at this stage in his career. If he continues his strong performance into 2025, Ozuna could command a lucrative contract, possibly even exceeding the $81 million he stands to make with the Braves if they exercise his 2025 option.
Ozuna’s current contract with the Braves is a four-year, $65 million deal, which was extended when the Braves picked up his 2025 club option, bringing the total value to $81 million. Since the start of the 2023 season, Ozuna has hit 79 home runs, ranking fourth in MLB in that category. Given the current state of the free agent market, if Ozuna replicates his performance in 2024, he could easily secure a contract worth the same amount, if not more, over a shorter period, potentially three years.
This creates a difficult situation for the Braves, as they would have to decide whether to meet Ozuna’s asking price or let him walk. The Braves are already navigating a complicated financial landscape, with several key players under contract and the looming challenge of keeping their competitive core intact. With the Soto contract setting a new standard for player salaries, it is likely that the Braves will face increased pressure to either increase their spending or risk losing key players like Ozuna.
In summary, the Braves’ financial outlook for the 2025 season is being heavily influenced by the changing dynamics of MLB contracts, especially in light of the enormous deal Juan Soto received from the Mets. The Braves are likely to be affected by these changes, particularly when it comes to retaining players like Marcell Ozuna, whose impressive performance in 2024 could price him out of the Braves’ budget. As the MLB landscape continues to evolve, the Braves will need to carefully consider their financial strategy to stay competitive in an era of skyrocketing player salaries.
