The Atlanta Braves made a pair of pivotal roster moves on Monday that will shape their lineup and payroll for the 2025 season. In a vote of confidence for their veteran slugger, the team exercised designated hitter Marcell Ozuna’s $16 million option. However, they declined the $8 million option on catcher Travis d’Arnaud, sending the three-time All-Star into free agency.
Braves Bet Big on Ozuna’s Bat
Despite his advanced age, the 33-year-old Ozuna showed no signs of slowing down in 2024. The powerful right-handed hitter authored a resurgent campaign, slashing .302/.355/.591 with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs across a full 162-game slate. Ozuna’s prodigious production earned him Silver Slugger finalist honors.
By locking in Ozuna for $16 million, the Braves are making a substantial investment in the heart of their order. According to sources close to the team, Atlanta is banking on Ozuna to maintain his elite offensive output and anchor the DH spot for at least one more year.
A Consistent Force in the Braves’ Lineup
Since joining the Braves in 2020, Ozuna has been a model of consistency when healthy. The Dominican native has launched 134 long balls and driven in 345 runs across four seasons in Atlanta. His presence adds length and thump to a formidable lineup headlined by superstars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley.
“Marcell has been a true professional and an integral part of our clubhouse,” said a high-ranking Braves official who requested anonymity. “We believe he still has plenty left in the tank.”
D’Arnaud Era Ends After Five Seasons
While Ozuna will be back in the fold, the Braves parted ways with a franchise pillar behind the plate. By declining d’Arnaud’s option, Atlanta is cutting ties with the backstop who helped guide their pitching staff during a run of five straight NL East titles.
D’Arnaud, 35, has been a rock for the Braves since 2020. He earned an All-Star nod in 2022 and has clubbed 60 home runs in his five seasons with the team. However, with young catching prospect Jared Shuster on the cusp of the majors, the Braves deemed d’Arnaud expendable.
“Travis has meant so much to this organization, both on and off the field,” said the anonymous team source. “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we felt was necessary as we look to the future.”
Weighing the Financial Implications
The $8 million in savings from d’Arnaud’s declined option could give the Braves additional flexibility to address other areas of need this offseason. According to insiders, Atlanta may look to bolster its rotation or acquire a right-handed power bat to complement lefty sluggers Matt Olson and Michael Harris II.
- Picking up Ozuna’s option bumps the Braves’ projected 2025 payroll to approximately $181 million.
- Declining d’Arnaud’s option results in $8 million in savings, but the Braves will need to pay his $1 million buyout.
- The Braves will likely need to commit at least $4-5 million to sign or trade for a veteran catcher to pair with and mentor Shuster.
How the Braves ultimately allocate their financial resources remains to be seen. But by making an eight-figure commitment to Ozuna while cutting loose d’Arnaud, they’ve charted a clear course for their 2025 roster construction.
A New Era Behind the Plate in Atlanta
With d’Arnaud’s departure, the Braves will embark on a new chapter at the catcher position. Team sources indicate that Shuster, who slashed .325/.408/.579 at Triple-A in 2024, will be given every opportunity to win the starting job in spring training.
“Jared has progressed tremendously in the last year,” said a scout familiar with Shuster’s development. “His bat is ready, and he’s made huge strides defensively. The Braves believe he’s prepared for the challenge of catching in the majors.”
As the Braves turn the page on the d’Arnaud era, the future looks bright with Shuster waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, Ozuna’s return solidifies the heart of a lineup that looks poised to make another run at October glory.
Braves fans will now eagerly await the team’s next moves as the hot stove continues to sizzle. But one thing is already certain: Change is coming to Atlanta in 2025.
