Atlanta Braves Star Marcell Ozuna Declines to Play for Dominican Republic in 2026 WBC

Marcell Ozuna, designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves, has declined to play for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He confirmed his decision during an interview with Diamante23 lead beat reporter Leonte Landino on March 3.

NO IRÁ AL CLÁSICO 2026 ????????????

Marcell Ozuna, le confirmó a @leontelandino que no aceptaría el llamado para representar a República Dominicana, en el Clásico Mundial de Béisbol 2026 ????????#MLB #Diamante23 #Béisbol pic.twitter.com/e0AjdE24HG

— Diamante 23 (@Diamante23OF) March 3, 2025

“When I wanted to go, I made every effort, but I was not chosen,” Ozuna told Diamante23 n Spanish, as translated into English. “I felt I deserved to be there because I had one of the best seasons of my career, yet they didn’t invite me. After that, I realized the WBC does not make me better than I already am.”

When asked if he would accept an invitation now, Ozuna stood firm. “No, I’m not going,” he said. “From my heart and soul, I said I was not going to the Classic. I ask my country for forgiveness for not representing the flag, but I made my decision, and I will not change it.”

Dominican Republic’s 2026 WBC Plans

Two-time World Series champion Albert Pujols was introduced as the Dominican Republic’s manager for the 2026 WBC on March 2. Team general manager and Federación Dominicana de Beisbol president Juan Nunez made the appointment.

The Dominican Republic will compete in Pool D at the 2026 WBC, playing at loanDepot Park in Miami from March 6-11. The team will face the Netherlands, Venezuela, Israel, and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier.

Pujols and his staff will evaluate roster options before the tournament. Possible selections include Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Jose Ramirez, Ketel Marte, Manny Machado, Yanier Diaz, Gary Sanchez, Juan Soto, Willy Adames, Fernando Tatis Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Jeremy Pena, Mark Vientos, Julio Rodriguez, Teoscar Hernandez, and Rafael Devers.

Ozuna’s Career and 2024 Performance

Marcell Ozuna, a 34-year-old slugger from Santo Domingo, has played 12 MLB seasons. 2013 to 2017 with the Miami Marlins, 2018 to 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals, and since 2020 with Atlanta.

A three-time All-Star in 2016, 2017, and 2024, Ozuna was named to the All-MLB First Team in 2020. He also won a Gold Glove in 2017 and earned Silver Slugger Awards in 2017 and 2020. During the shortened 2020 season, he led the National League in home runs and RBIs.

Over his career, Ozuna has a 27.7 WAR. He has played 1,469 games and holds a .272 batting average. He has recorded 1,514 hits, 261 doubles, 21 triples, 275 home runs, and 880 RBIs. He also has 29 stolen bases, 510 walks, and 1,346 strikeouts, posting a career OPS of .810.

In 2024, Ozuna led the Braves with 183 hits and played all 162 games. He topped the team in batting average at .302, walks with 74, RBIs with 104, OPS at .925, and home runs with 39.

He and Matt Olson tied for the team lead with 170 strikeouts.

Ozuna’s Future with the Braves

For 2025, Ozuna and Orlando Arcia are listed as designated hitter options on the Braves’ depth chart.

Ozuna is in the final year of his four-year, $64 million contract, which he signed with Atlanta on February 5, 2021. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season unless the Braves exercise their club option. His contract includes a $1 million buyout if the option is declined.

Atlanta Braves’ 2025 Outlook

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker and the front office will evaluate Ozuna’s role before the season begins. The Braves finished 2024 tied with the New York Mets for second place in the NL East at 89-73—six games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies, who finished 95-67. Atlanta was swept by the San Diego Padres in the best-of-three NL Wild Card Series.

The Braves open their 2025 season on the road against the Padres on March 27 at 4:10 p.m. EDT.

Photo: Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna connects for a single during the sixth inning in Game 2 of an NL Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 2, 2024, in San Diego. (Photo Courtesy of AP/Gregory Bull)