Many fans have seen the phrase “Braves Marcell Ozuna waiver candidate” online and on sports websites. At first, it sounds shocking. Marcell Ozuna is a well-known power hitter for the Atlanta Braves. So why would anyone talk about him as a “waiver candidate”?
This article explains the topic in simple words. You will learn:
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What “waiver candidate” means
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Why Ozuna’s name comes up
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Why it is not very likely
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What could really happen
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What this means for teams and fantasy baseball
1. Who Is Marcell Ozuna for the Braves?
Marcell Ozuna is mainly the designated hitter (DH) for the Braves. His main job is to hit the ball hard and drive in runs.
Basic facts about Ozuna’s role:
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Position: Designated Hitter (DH)
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Main skill: Power hitting
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Helps the team by:
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Hitting home runs
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Driving in runners
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Limits:
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Does not play many field positions
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Mostly helps only with his bat
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Why this matters
In today’s baseball, teams like players who can play many positions. Ozuna mostly plays one role. When he hits well, this is fine. When he is not hitting well, some people start to question his spot on the team.
2. What Does “Waiver Candidate” Mean?
Many fans think “waiver candidate” means a player will be cut right away. This is not true. Waivers are part of MLB rules.
Simple waiver process:
| Step | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Player put on waivers | Team lets other teams claim him |
| Another team claims him | That team takes his full contract |
| No team claims him | Player stays with his team |
| Player is released | Player becomes a free agent |
Important to know:
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Being called a “waiver candidate” does not mean the Braves plan to get rid of Ozuna.
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It is often just talk from writers and fans about possible moves.
3. Why Do People Call Ozuna a Waiver Candidate?
There are a few main reasons Ozuna’s name comes up in these talks.
Main reasons:
1. Money and salary
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Ozuna is a veteran player with a big contract.
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Writers often look at higher-paid players when talking about team money plans.
2. Up-and-down hitting
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Power hitters can be hot and cold.
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When Ozuna is in a slump, people start to talk more about possible moves.
3. Only one main role
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Ozuna mostly plays DH.
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He does not give much help in the field.
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This makes him easier to mention in “what if” talks.
4. Late-season roster needs
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Teams sometimes need more pitchers or defenders late in the year.
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This can make fans wonder if a hitter-only player could be moved.
Read also: Nueraji vs Crosbie Prediction
4. Why It Is Not Very Likely
Even though people talk about waivers, it is not very likely Ozuna would be claimed by another team.
Reasons waivers are unlikely:
| Reason | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Big contract | Other teams would have to pay all his remaining salary |
| Team budgets | Many teams cannot afford it |
| Braves want to win | Braves need his bat in the lineup |
| Other options | Trades make more sense than waivers |
Simple truth
If Ozuna is still helping the Braves score runs, it does not make sense to let him go and still pay most of his salary. Teams usually use waivers only when they really need to clear a roster spot.
5. What Is Most Likely to Happen?
Instead of big waiver moves, here are the more realistic options.
Possible outcomes:
| Option | How Likely | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Ozuna stays with Braves | Very likely | He keeps playing DH |
| Ozuna plays less | Possible | More rest days or platoon role |
| Ozuna is traded | Less likely | Braves move him in a deal |
| Ozuna on waivers | Unlikely | Only if team is desperate |
Most likely outcome
👉 Ozuna stays with the Braves and continues to help the team with his bat.
6. What Would It Mean for Other Teams?
If Ozuna were somehow available, some teams would be more interested than others.
Teams that would want Ozuna:
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Teams that need power hitting
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Teams with a DH spot open
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Teams with injuries to key hitters
Teams that would not want Ozuna:
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Teams that focus more on defense
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Teams with little money to spend
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Teams without a DH need
Team fit table:
| Team Need | Ozuna Fit |
|---|---|
| Needs power | Good fit |
| Needs defense | Poor fit |
| Has DH spot | Good fit |
| Tight budget | Poor fit |
7. What This Means for Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy baseball players also watch waiver talk closely.
Things fantasy managers should watch:
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Playing time: Is Ozuna still playing every day?
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Lineup spot: Is he batting in the middle of the order?
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Health: Is he getting more rest days?
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Team situation: Is the Braves’ lineup changing?
Simple fantasy advice:
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As long as Ozuna is playing often and hitting in the middle of the lineup, his fantasy value stays strong.
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Big changes are more likely to come from performance, not waiver rumors.
8. Why Fans Keep Hearing About This
The idea of a big-name player being a waiver candidate is exciting. It creates:
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Drama
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Debate
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Hope for other teams
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Big headlines
But most of the time, it is just talk. Real MLB teams move slowly and carefully. They do not make big moves based on short slumps or online rumors.
9. Key Points (Quick Summary)
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Marcell Ozuna is called a “waiver candidate” mainly because of money and roster talk, not because he is a bad player.
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Waivers are hard because teams must take on full contracts.
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The Braves benefit more from keeping Ozuna than letting him go.
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Most waiver talk is media speculation, not real team plans.
10. Final Thoughts
The phrase “Braves Marcell Ozuna waiver candidate” sounds serious, but in real life, it is mostly a talking point. Waivers are not an easy or common way to move a productive hitter. As long as Ozuna is helping the Braves score runs, the team has little reason to make a big change.
So while fans may keep seeing this phrase online, the most likely outcome is simple:
Marcell Ozuna stays with the Braves and continues to be part of their offense.
