"Ozuna's $16M Option Exercised by Braves, D'Arnaud's Declined"
The Atlanta Braves utilized designated hitter Marcell Ozuna's $16 million choice for the 2025 season on Monday but opted not to exercise catcher Travis D'Arnaud's $8 million option, rendering him a free agent.
Furthermore, the Braves declined their $7 million team option on right-hander Luke Jackson.
Ozuna, who will turn 34 next week, was selected as a Silver Slugger finalist on Monday after posting a .302 batting average with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs, while playing in every game this season.
A three-time All-Star, Ozuna holds a lifetime .272 batting average with 275 home runs, 880 RBIs, and 1,514 hits in 1,469 games with the Miami Marlins (2013-17), St. Louis Cardinals (2018-19), and Braves.
D'Arnaud, 35, batted .251 and hit 60 home runs during his five-year tenure with the Braves. He earned his lone All-Star selection with the Braves in 2022.
Jackson, 33, recorded a 4-3 record with a 5.09 ERA in 52 relief appearances this past season, with 16 of those being with the Braves after they acquired him from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline in a deal that also brought Jorge Soler to Atlanta. The Braves traded Soler to the Los Angeles Angels last week.
Ozuna's option included a $1 million buyout, while D'Arnaud's had none. Jackson had a $2 million buyout.
The Braves also announced the reinstatement of OF Ronald Acuna Jr., LHP Ray Kerr, LHP Angel Perdomo, RHP Spencer Strider, and RHP Huascar Ynoa from the 60-day injured list.
