The Complete Breakdown of Ozuna’s Exit from Atlanta, His Trade Veto, and His New Chapter in Pittsburgh
Introduction: Setting the Record Straight on a Misunderstood Transaction
If you’ve been searching for information on whether Marcell Ozuna was a waiver candidate for the Atlanta Braves, you’ve likely encountered confusing and sometimes contradictory reports. The short, definitive answer is this: Marcell Ozuna was never placed on waivers by the Atlanta Braves, nor was he ever a “waiver candidate” at any point during the 2025 season or the 2025-2026 offseason.
Instead, what actually happened is a fascinating case study in modern MLB contract mechanics—specifically, how a veteran player with 10-5 rights (10 years of MLB service, five consecutive years with the same team) can veto any trade, forcing his team to either keep him or release him into free agency.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through:
- ✅ The real story behind Ozuna’s departure from Atlanta
- ✅ How his 10-5 rights changed the Braves’ trade deadline calculus
- ✅ Why he never touched waivers (and why that matters)
- ✅ His new $12 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates
- ✅ What this means for both franchises in 2026 and beyond
Whether you’re a Braves fan trying to understand what happened, a Pirates fan excited about the signing, or a fantasy baseball player tracking veteran bats, this article provides the definitive, research-backed account of the Marcell Ozuna transaction saga.
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The 2025 Trade Deadline – What Actually Happened
The “Trade Candidate” Narrative
During the summer of 2025, as the Atlanta Braves stumbled to a disappointing 76-86 record, speculation mounted that the team would become sellers at the trade deadline . Marcell Ozuna, then in the final guaranteed year of his contract, was widely named as a logical trade candidate .
The logic was sound:
- Ozuna was a proven power bat
- Contending teams always need offense
- The Braves were looking toward 2026 and beyond
However, the expected trade never materialized.
Why No Trade Happened: The 10-5 Rights Factor
The answer lies in a little-known but powerful provision in MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement: 10-and-5 rights.
What Are 10-5 Rights?
Any player with at least 10 years of Major League service time AND five consecutive years with the same team has the right to veto any trade. The team cannot move the player without his explicit written consent .
Ozuna qualified. He signed with Atlanta in 2020, and by 2025, he had both the service time and the consecutive years needed to invoke this right .
According to reporting from The Sporting News and SI.com, Ozuna did not approve any trade discussions involving his name. As one analyst put it: *”He could have simply handed over those rights to his agent for the discussions… Just because Ozuna is leaving the deadline out of his hands doesn’t mean the 10-5 rights go out the window”* .
Key Takeaway: Ozuna was never a “waiver candidate” because he was never placed on waivers. He was a trade candidate who vetoed a trade, a distinction with significant procedural differences.
Waivers vs. Trade Veto – Why the Distinction Matters
Many fans conflate “trade speculation” with “waiver activity.” They are not the same thing.
Understanding MLB Waivers (Pre-2019 vs. Now)
Prior to 2019, MLB had a August trade waiver system where players could be traded after the July 31 non-waiver deadline if they first cleared revocable trade waivers . That system was eliminated entirely in the 2019 CBA changes.
Current Waiver Rules (2026):
- Players can still be placed on outright waivers (to be sent to the minors or released)
- No trades are permitted after the July/August Trade Deadline
- The 2026 Trade Deadline is August 3 at 6:00 PM ET
The Critical Distinction
Bottom Line: Ozuna was never a waiver candidate. He was a free agent at season’s end, and the Braves chose not to re-sign him .
Ozuna’s 2025 Season – The Decline That Changed Everything
To understand why the Braves were willing to let Ozuna walk, you have to look at his 2025 performance.
The Statistical Drop-Off
After back-to-back monster seasons in 2023 and 2024—where he combined for 79 home runs, a .289 average, and a fourth-place MVP finish in 2024—Ozuna regressed significantly in 2025 .
| Season | Games | HR | RBI | AVG | OPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 162 | 39 | 104 | .302 | .925 | Led Braves in hits, HR, RBI, OPS |
| 2025 | 145 | 21 | 68 | .232 | .756 | Nagging hip injury; reduced playing time |
The Braves’ Perspective
The Braves had multiple reasons to move on:
- Health Concerns: Ozuna played through a hip injury that sapped his power and production .
- Developmental Priority: Atlanta wanted to give catcher Drake Baldwin more DH at-bats .
- Roster Flexibility: The team signed Mike Yastrzemski for outfield/lineup depth .
- Cost Certainty: Ozuna’s contract was expiring; the $1 million buyout was cheaper than a $16 million club option .
When the offseason began, the Braves declined their club option, paid the $1 million buyout, and made Ozuna an unrestricted free agent .
The Free Agent Market – Silence, Then Pittsburgh
A Surprisingly Quiet Market
Despite Ozuna’s proven track record—148 home runs since 2020, 18th-most in baseball, trailing only Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber among DHs —the market for his services was remarkably slow.
By late January 2026, analysts noted:
“The problem Ozuna faces now is that he has only gotten older, his performance last season was subpar at best, and the teams that were previously considered to be landing spots for him feel unlikely to pursue him…”
Teams previously linked to Ozuna—including the Phillies and Diamondbacks—pivoted to other targets .
The Pirates Step In
On February 8-9, 2026, news broke that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Marcell Ozuna had agreed to terms .
The Deal:
- One year, $12 million guaranteed
- $10.5 million salary for 2026
- $16 million mutual option for 2027
- $1.5 million buyout if option is declined
The deal was first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, confirmed by Jeff Passan of ESPN, and later verified by the Associated Press .
Why Pittsburgh? A Perfect Fit for Both Sides
The Pirates’ Desperate Need for Power
The 2025 Pirates were historically anemic offensively:
| Category | 2025 Pirates | MLB Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Home Runs | 117 | 32nd (last) |
| Slugging | .350 | 32nd (last) |
| OPS | .655 | 32nd (last) |
| Runs Scored | — | 32nd (last) |
Ozuna’s 21 home runs in a down year would have led the 2025 Pirates .
Balancing a Left-Heavy Lineup
Pittsburgh’s projected lineup was overloaded with left-handed bats:
- Brandon Lowe (L)
- Ryan O’Hearn (L)
- Spencer Horwitz (L)
- Oneil Cruz (L)
- Bryan Reynolds (S)
Ozuna provides a much-needed right-handed power presence in the middle of the order .
The Andrew McCutchen Consequence
The signing almost certainly ends Andrew McCutchen’s second stint in Pittsburgh.
The 39-year-old franchise icon hit .239 with 13 home runs as the Pirates’ primary DH in 2025. With Ozuna now occupying that role, there is no clear path for McCutchen’s return. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was blunt: “This likely ends Andrew McCutchen’s era in Pittsburgh” .
What the Braves Did Instead
While Ozuna heads to Pittsburgh, the Braves have moved in a different direction.
Atlanta’s 2026 DH plan appears to center on:
- Drake Baldwin – Getting regular at-bats to develop
- Sean Murphy – Rotating through DH to keep him fresh
- Mike Yastrzemski – Providing outfield/DH versatility
The Braves are betting on youth, depth, and positional flexibility over Ozuna’s boom-or-bust power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Was Marcell Ozuna ever placed on waivers by the Braves?
No. At no point during the 2025 season or the 2025-2026 offseason did the Atlanta Braves place Marcell Ozuna on waivers .
2. Why didn’t the Braves trade Ozuna at the 2025 deadline?
Ozuna invoked his 10-and-5 rights (10 years MLB service, 5 consecutive years with Atlanta) to veto any potential trade. The Braves could not move him without his consent .
3. What are “10-5 rights” in MLB?
A player with at least 10 years of major league service time and the last five consecutive years with the same team has the right to reject any trade. This is a guaranteed contractual right under the CBA .
4. Is there still a “waiver trade deadline” in MLB?
No. The old system of revocable trade waivers (which allowed post-deadline trades) was eliminated prior to the 2019 season. Today, there is a single, hard Trade Deadline .
5. How much is Marcell Ozuna’s new contract worth?
Ozuna signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will earn $10.5 million in 2026, with a $16 million mutual option for 2027 ($1.5 million buyout) .
6. Why did the Braves let Ozuna walk for nothing?
Ozuna’s contract expired. He became a free agent. The Braves declined a $16 million club option, paid a $1 million buyout, and chose to allocate playing time to younger players .
7. How did Ozuna perform in 2025?
He hit .232 with 21 home runs and 68 RBI in 145 games, a significant drop from his 2023-2024 peak. He dealt with a nagging hip injury .
8. What does Ozuna bring to the Pirates?
Power. The Pirates finished last in MLB in home runs, slugging, OPS, and runs scored in 2025. Ozuna’s 21 home runs would have led the team. He also provides a much-needed right-handed bat in a lefty-heavy lineup .
9. Does this signing mean Andrew McCutchen won’t return?
Yes, almost certainly. McCutchen was the Pirates’ primary DH in 2025. With Ozuna signed for that role, there is no clear spot for McCutchen on the roster. The Pirates have shown no interest in re-signing him this offseason .
10. Could the Braves reclaim Ozuna later?
Only via free agency. Ozuna is under contract with Pittsburgh for 2026. If the Pirates decline his 2027 option, he would become a free agent again.
11. What was Ozuna’s best season with Atlanta?
2020. In the pandemic-shortened season, Ozuna posted a 1.067 OPS, led the NL in home runs and RBIs, and earned All-MLB First Team honors. He signed his four-year, $65 million extension shortly thereafter .
12. How many home runs did Ozuna hit as a Brave?
From 2020-2025, Ozuna hit 148 home runs, 18th-most in baseball during that span .
13. Is Ozuna an All-Star?
Yes, three times: 2016, 2017, and 2024 .
14. Has Ozuna won a Gold Glove?
Yes, in 2017 with the Miami Marlins .
15. What is Ozuna’s career batting average?
.269 across 13 seasons with Miami, St. Louis, and Atlanta .
16. Did Ozuna play for the Dominican Republic in the WBC?
No. In March 2025, Ozuna confirmed he would decline any invitation to play for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, citing past snubs .
17. When is the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline?
Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET .
18. Will Ozuna be a trade candidate again in 2026?
It depends on his performance and the Pirates’ standing. If Pittsburgh falls out of contention and Ozuna rebounds, he could be a valuable rental piece. However, he still holds 10-5 rights and would need to approve any deal.
19. What did the Braves get in return for Ozuna?
Nothing directly. He left as a free agent. However, the Braves gained salary relief, a 40-man roster spot, and the ability to develop Drake Baldwin .
20. Was this the right move for Atlanta?
Early returns are mixed. If Baldwin develops and Ozuna’s 2025 decline proves permanent, the Braves will look smart. If Ozuna rebounds to his 2023-2024 form in Pittsburgh, Atlanta’s front office will face tough questions about receiving no return for a premium bat .
Conclusion: The “Waiver Candidate” Myth, Debunked
The story of Marcell Ozuna’s departure from Atlanta is not a story about waivers. It never was.
It is a story about:
- A veteran player exercising his contractual rights
- A front office deciding to turn the page
- A free agent finding a surprising landing spot
- A rebuilding team making a calculated bet on power
Ozuna was a trade candidate who vetoed a trade. He became a free agent who signed with Pittsburgh. At no point in this sequence did he “clear waivers,” “pass through waivers,” or function as a “waiver candidate”—terms that, in the post-2019 CBA era, reflect a misunderstanding of how modern MLB transactions work.
For Braves fans, the chapter is closed. Atlanta has moved on to younger, more flexible options. For Pirates fans, a new chapter begins—one where a three-time All-Star with 275 career home runs tries to rediscover his swing and help a franchise end a decade of offensive futility.
And for anyone searching “Braves Marcell Ozuna waiver candidate,” the answer is now crystal clear: It never happened. Here is exactly what did.
Sources: ESPN, The Associated Press, MLB.com, The Sporting News, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, US News & World Report
Last updated: February 2026
