Padres Reportedly Discussing Trade For Marcell Ozuna

[Samuel Cozart]

As the trade deadline approaches, a new name has entered the Padres’ radar. Dominican MLB insider Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital reported Tuesday that trade discussions between the Padres and Braves have “intensified”, with San Diego expressing heavy interest in DH Marcell Ozuna. 

Gomez suggested that the Padres would send a return of RHP Francis Pena and RHP Ryan Bergert, the organization’s No. 18 and No. 21 prospects, to Atlanta.

Ozuna would likely fill the DH spot in the Padres’ lineup, despite spending most of his career in left field. He has taken a step back at the plate this season, slashing .235/.361/.390 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI. However, he finished fourth in NL MVP voting in 2024, compiling an impressive line of .302/.378/.546, mashing 39 home runs and 104 RBI. 

The 34-year-old is in the final year of a four-year $65 million contract, meaning he’d likely be a rental piece to help the Padres in their push for the postseason. 

It would be a steep price for an aging rental player, so San Diego would need Ozuna to play similarly to his 2024 version to make it pay off. 

 

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