Many fans are seeing the phrase “Braves Marcell Ozuna waiver candidate” online and wondering what it really means. Marcell Ozuna is a well-known power hitter for the Atlanta Braves. So why would people even talk about him being placed on waivers?
The short answer:
This is not just about how well Ozuna is playing. It is about team strategy, money, roster space, and playoff planning. Baseball teams today think carefully about how to build the best roster for the playoffs, not just for regular-season games.
This article explains everything in simple words, using lists and tables, so even new baseball fans can understand what’s going on.
What Does “Waiver Candidate” Mean?
In MLB, waivers are a way for teams to move players after the trade deadline.
Simple Explanation of Waivers
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Teams can put a player on waivers.
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Other teams can claim that player.
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If no team claims him, the team can:
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Keep the player
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Or release the player
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This does not mean the player is bad. Teams use waivers for many reasons.
Waivers vs Other Moves
| Move Type | Can Happen After Trade Deadline? | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | ❌ No | Teams swap players |
| Waivers | ✅ Yes | Teams offer a player to others |
| Release | ✅ Yes | Team lets player go |
| Free Agent | ✅ Yes | Team signs a player |
So, calling Ozuna a “waiver candidate” means people think the Braves might consider this option. It does not mean it will happen.
Marcell Ozuna’s Role on the Braves
Ozuna is known for hitting home runs. But he mostly plays one role.
Ozuna’s Main Role
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Position: Designated Hitter (DH)
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What he does well:
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Hits for power
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Drives in runs
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Has experience
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Limits:
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Does not play much defense
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Cannot move around to many positions
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How He Fits on the Team
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Power hitting | Helps score runs |
| DH-only role | Limits team options |
| Veteran player | Brings experience |
| Some up-and-down play | Creates questions |
| Big-name player | Gets more media talk |
The Braves are a strong team with many good players. This means they look closely at how each player fits, not just how many home runs they hit.
Why Are People Talking About Ozuna and Waivers?
This talk is mostly about team planning, not about Ozuna being a bad player.
Main Reasons Behind the Waiver Talk
1. Money
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Teams manage their payroll carefully.
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Sometimes they move players to:
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Save money
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Use money on pitching or defense
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2. Roster Space
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Teams have limited roster spots.
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In the playoffs, flexible players are very useful.
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A player who only DHs can limit choices.
3. Playoff Strategy
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Playoff games are close and tense.
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Managers like players who can:
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Play defense late in games
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Run the bases
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Fill many roles
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Strategy Factors
| Team Need | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Saving money | Helps add other players |
| Flexible players | More options in games |
| Strong defense | Protects late leads |
| Bench depth | Important in playoffs |
| Smart matchups | Helps vs strong pitchers |
Reasons FOR Putting Ozuna on Waivers
Some people believe the Braves could gain certain benefits if they move on from Ozuna.
Possible Benefits
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✔ Open up roster space
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✔ Create more money room
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✔ Add more flexible players
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✔ Adjust the team for playoff needs
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✔ Try new lineup options
Pros Table
| Possible Benefit | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| More roster space | Room for other players |
| More money room | Budget for pitching |
| Better flexibility | More game options |
| Playoff-focused plan | Build for October |
| New lineup ideas | Try different looks |
Reasons AGAINST Putting Ozuna on Waivers
There are also strong reasons why the Braves may want to keep Ozuna.
Why Keeping Ozuna Makes Sense
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❌ Home runs win playoff games
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❌ Losing him weakens the lineup
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❌ Another team could use him against the Braves
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❌ Experienced players help in pressure moments
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❌ Fans and team morale matter
Cons Table
| Risk of Letting Him Go | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Lose power | Fewer home runs |
| Help another team | Could face him later |
| Thinner lineup | Easier for pitchers |
| Lose veteran presence | Less calm in big games |
| Fan reaction | Fans may be upset |
What Could Happen If Ozuna Is Put on Waivers?
There are a few possible outcomes.
Main Scenarios
Scenario 1: Another Team Claims Him
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Ozuna goes to a new team.
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Braves lose a power bat.
Scenario 2: He Clears Waivers and Is Released
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Ozuna becomes a free agent.
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Any team can sign him.
Scenario 3: Braves Keep Him
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Most likely outcome.
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Waiver talk stays as talk only.
Outcome Table
| Scenario | How Likely? | Effect on Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed by another team | Low | Big lineup change |
| Released after clearing | Medium | Lose power, gain space |
| Stays with Braves | High | No major change |
Where Could Ozuna Go If He Leaves?
If Ozuna becomes available, certain teams would be interested.
Teams That Fit Ozuna Best
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Teams that need:
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More power
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A DH hitter
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Playoff help
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Team Fit Table
| Team Need | Why Ozuna Fits |
|---|---|
| Power hitter | Hits home runs |
| DH spot open | Easy fit |
| Playoff push | Adds experience |
| Short-term help | Boost for late season |
What Does This Mean for the Braves?
This discussion shows how serious the Braves are about winning.
Braves’ Big Choice
Option 1: Keep Ozuna
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✔ Keep power in lineup
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✔ Keep veteran experience
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❌ Less roster flexibility
Option 2: Move On from Ozuna
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✔ More flexibility
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✔ More money room
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❌ Lose a strong hitter
Final Answer: Is Marcell Ozuna Really a Waiver Candidate?
In simple terms:
Ozuna is talked about as a waiver candidate, but it does not mean the Braves plan to waive him.
Simple Summary Table
| Question | Simple Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Ozuna a bad player? | ❌ No |
| Does he still help the Braves? | ✅ Yes |
| Are teams thinking about strategy? | ✅ Yes |
| Is he likely to be waived? | ❌ Probably not |
| Is the talk normal in MLB? | ✅ Yes |
The Braves are thinking about the best way to win in the playoffs. That means every player is part of strategy talks, even strong hitters like Marcell Ozuna.