The Atlanta Braves are clear sellers for the first time in years. Everyone can safely acknowledge that the season is lost, and a run for a playoff spot is a near impossibility at this point. GM Alex Anthopoulos has more than hinted at his plans for Thursday’s trade deadline, stating the Braves will look to trade major league players, but only those on expiring contracts. With that in mind, let’s explore three names he should be actively shopping over the next few days.
Three Names the Braves Should Look to Trade by the Deadline
Marcell Ozuna
The trade rumors around Ozuna, 34, have been swirling for what feels like forever. “The Big Bear” has been a pillar of Atlanta’s lineup for several years, but the free agent-to-be is almost certain to find a new home in a matter of days. The Braves were always unlikely to re-sign him, and now they have no need for his services over the remaining two months of the season. However, there are a few roadblocks to consider here.
First of all, Ozuna holds full 10-and-5 rights, meaning he can block any trade he objects to. This further restricts an already limited pool of suitors due to his DH-only status. Furthermore, it’s no secret that the hip injury he’s been dealing with for months is significantly hindering Ozuna’s ability to produce at the plate. The former slugger is slashing .232/.358/.384 with just 13 home runs on the season, and has been held out of the lineup more games than not since the All-Star break.
Given the diminished market for his services, it seems like the Braves will wind up receiving just one or two mid-level prospects for Ozuna. The DH-needy Reds and Padres are two of the most popular destinations in recent trade rumors.
Raisel Iglesias
Iglesias, 35, is another longtime Braves star struggling in a contract season. The closer recorded 67 saves from 2023-2024 but holds a 5.09 ERA with just 11 saves in 2025. Iglesias appeared to be turning things around during a scoreless streak from June 9th to July 18th, but has endured two blowups since then. The regression is apparent, and Atlanta should look to recoup value with no plans to re-sign the aging reliever.
Despite Iglesias’ struggles, a contending team is sure to take a chance on the former All-Star who has recently shown flashes of his former self. There’s a glut of top-tier closers on the trade block that includes Emmanuel Clase, Ryan Helsley, and Mason Miller, and the Braves righty could be a nice consolation prize for a team that misses out on their top target. The Chicago Cubs, who are probably the most likely team to make a move for relief help, have recently been floated as a potential match.
Raisel Iglesias “is one of several options under consideration” for the Cubs, due to his long history of success, as well as his reputation for being a positive clubhouse presence, per @PJ_Mooney & @sahadevsharma. pic.twitter.com/bdoHUPaviY
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) July 27, 2025
Pierce Johnson
In a scenario that would have seemed completely implausible just a few months ago, Johnson, 34, might actually be the Braves’ best trade chip right now. The righty set-up man has allowed just one earned run in 14 1/3 innings since serving up a Matt Chapman walk-off home run on June 7th. His 2.92 xERA and .210 xBA against on the season sit in the 88th and 90th percentile of all major league pitchers, respectively. Johnson is the type of rental that every team could use, but he has the stats to warrant a decent prospect return, unlike Iglesias.
Mike Axisa at CBS Sports recently suggested the Seattle Mariners as a trade partner for Johnson, another contender that needs bullpen reinforcements. The Detroit Tigers make sense as well, with their back-end arms faltering recently.
Main Photo Credit: Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports
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