Marcell Ozuna is a well-known power hitter for the Atlanta Braves. He has been an important part of the team’s offense for several seasons. Even so, at one point, some baseball writers and fans talked about him as a possible “waiver candidate.” This may sound strange because Ozuna is not a bad player. He can still hit home runs and drive in runs.
So why would a good player be talked about as someone who might be placed on waivers? The answer is not only about how well Ozuna plays. It is also about money, team planning, and how baseball teams manage their rosters when a season is not going well.
This article explains, in simple words, why Marcell Ozuna was called a waiver candidate, what waivers mean in baseball, and what this situation tells us about how the Braves think about the future.
1. What Does “Waiver Candidate” Mean?
In baseball, “waivers” is a system where a team makes a player available to other teams. Another team can claim that player and add him to their roster.
This usually happens when:
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A team wants to save money
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A team wants to make space on the roster
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A team is not doing well and starts planning for the future
Being a waiver candidate does not always mean the player is bad. Many times, it means the player is:
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Expensive
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A veteran
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Not part of the team’s long-term plans
Common Types of Waiver Candidates
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Older players with big contracts
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Players who only play one position
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Players on teams that are not likely to reach the playoffs
2. Why Was Marcell Ozuna Talked About as a Waiver Candidate?
Marcell Ozuna became part of this talk because of several reasons.
Main Reasons
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Salary: Ozuna is paid a lot of money compared to younger players.
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Team situation: At times, the Braves were not playing well and were falling behind in the playoff race.
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Position: Ozuna mostly plays as a designated hitter (DH). He does not play defense much.
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Team planning: The Braves may want more flexibility in the future.
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Ozuna’s Role on the Braves
| Topic | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Main role | Designated hitter (DH) |
| Strength | Power hitting |
| Weakness | Limited defense |
| Contract | Higher salary than many other players |
| Team value | Helps offense but limits roster options |
3. Why Teams Think About Waivers Late in the Season
Teams think differently when they are winning and when they are losing.
When a Team Is Winning
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They want to keep strong players
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They may trade for help
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They focus on the playoffs
When a Team Is Losing
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They start thinking about next season
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They may want to save money
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They may give young players more chances
This is when waiver talks usually happen.
Why Waivers Are Discussed Late in the Year
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Fewer trades are allowed
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Teams change goals from “win now” to “build for later”
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Some teams want to reduce payroll
4. Reasons FOR Calling Ozuna a Waiver Candidate
Some people felt that putting Ozuna on waivers could make sense for the Braves.
Possible Benefits for the Braves
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Save money
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Make room on the roster
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Give playing time to younger players
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Plan better for next season
Benefits Table
| Possible Benefit | Why It Helps the Braves |
|---|---|
| Save money | More budget for future players |
| Roster space | Try new players at DH |
| Future planning | Prepare for next season |
| Long-term thinking | Focus on building a strong team |
5. Reasons AGAINST Calling Ozuna a Waiver Candidate
Many fans and writers also felt that calling Ozuna a waiver candidate was unfair or risky.
Reasons to Keep Ozuna
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He can still hit home runs
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He can help win games
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He has experience
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Other teams may not claim him
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Fans may feel the team is giving up
Risks of Using Waivers on Ozuna
| Risk | Why It Is a Problem |
|---|---|
| No team claims him | Braves gain nothing |
| Team morale | Players may feel the team is quitting |
| Fan reaction | Fans may be upset |
| Losing offense | Team loses a power bat |
6. How Other Teams Would See Ozuna
If Ozuna were available on waivers, other teams would think carefully before claiming him.
Why a Contending Team Might Want Ozuna
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Needs more power
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Needs a DH
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Wants playoff experience
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Does not want to trade young players
Why Teams Might Say No
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Contract is expensive
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Limited defense
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Budget limits
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Already have a DH
How Contenders Might Judge Ozuna
| Factor | Positive Side | Negative Side |
|---|---|---|
| Bat | Strong power | Can be streaky |
| Role | Easy DH fit | No defensive value |
| Experience | Veteran player | Aging body |
| Cost | Proven hitter | Expensive contract |
7. What This Situation Says About the Braves
The talk about Ozuna was really about the Braves’ bigger plan.
What It Shows
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The Braves think long-term
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They care about payroll and roster balance
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They plan for the future, not only the current season
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They are willing to make hard decisions
Braves Team Strategy (Simple View)
| Area | Braves’ Thinking |
|---|---|
| Team building | Build for many years |
| Spending | Be careful with money |
| Roster | Keep flexible spots |
| Future focus | Plan ahead, not only for today |
8. The Bigger Lesson
The Ozuna waiver talk teaches an important lesson about modern baseball:
A player can still be good, but the team situation can change how valuable he is to that team.
Teams today think about:
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Money
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Age
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Future plans
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Roster balance
So sometimes, good players become part of hard business decisions.
9. Final Thoughts
Marcell Ozuna being called a “waiver candidate” was not because he is a bad player. It was because:
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He has a big contract
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The team’s season was uncertain
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The Braves were thinking about the future
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His role as a DH limits flexibility
This situation shows how baseball is not only about talent. It is also about planning, money, and timing. Players and fans may focus on what happens on the field, but teams must also think about what is best for the future of the organization.