The Braves' July 21 roster moves, including calling up Sandy León, signal a trade for Marcell Ozuna is imminent. Find out why Atlanta is shaking things up.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For weeks, the question has hovered over Truist Park: what will the Braves do at the trade deadline? On Monday, the front office provided the clearest answer yet without saying a word. By calling up veteran catcher Sandy León and designating Stuart Fairchild for assignment, the Braves have all but started the countdown clock on Marcell Ozuna's tenure in Atlanta, signaling a major shift for a team desperately searching for a spark.
The front office has stated that only players set to be free agents this winter are available in trades, making Ozuna a prime candidate to be moved.
The transaction itself—swapping an outfielder for a third-string catcher—might seem minor on the surface, but the implications are massive. With Sean Murphy working his way back from injury and Travis d’Arnaud handling the primary catching duties, the addition of 36-year-old Sandy León is about more than just depth. Manager Brian Snitker confirmed the move paves the way for both Murphy and rookie Drake Baldwin to get at-bats at designated hitter. That leaves Marcell Ozuna, the team's primary DH and an impending free agent, as the odd man out. Given the front office's public stance on only trading players on expiring deals, the message is clear: the 'Big Bear' is officially on the trading block.
Veteran Sandy León joins the Braves from Triple-A Gwinnett, where he hit .183 with eight homers. While his bat isn't expected to light up the box score, his value lies in his defensive prowess and experience, providing crucial insurance behind the plate. The move comes at the expense of Stuart Fairchild, who was designated for assignment after posting a .216 average and a .606 OPS in 28 games. It's a clear signal that the Braves are prioritizing roster flexibility and veteran leadership as they navigate a difficult season and prepare for the July 31 trade deadline.
While the off-field moves dominated the headlines, the on-field product offered little relief. Facing the San Francisco Giants in the series opener, the Braves' struggles continued. Bryce Elder took the mound but couldn't outduel Giants rookie Hayden Birdsong, and the offense once again failed to provide enough support. The loss drops Atlanta to a season-low 12 games under .500, a frustrating mark for a team that entered the year with high expectations. Stars like Matt Olson and Austin Riley are trying to carry the load, but the consistency just hasn't been there. After a tough series against the Yankees, this was not the rebound performance fans were hoping for.
As the dust settles, the focus shifts squarely to the trade deadline. The Ozuna era appears to be ending, and the front office is clearly positioning the team for the future. But what will that future look like in the immediate term? With the team skidding and the clubhouse about to undergo a significant change, the next week will be pivotal not just for salvaging the 2025 season, but for setting the tone for what comes next.
