In a move that sends a clear message about their financial philosophy and their commitment to their core, the Atlanta Braves officially picked up the $7 million club option on long-time second baseman Ozzie Albies (the main character in this decision) for the 2026 season.
The decision was largely viewed as a “no-brainer” despite Albies coming off one of the worst offensive seasons of his career and suffering a season-ending fractured hamate bone in his left hand in late September 2025.
The Financial Masterstroke
The decision to exercise the option is a financial win for the Braves, demonstrating the incredible value of the team-friendly extension Albies signed in 2019:
- The Commitment: The Braves chose to pay the $7 million salary for 2026 instead of the $4 million buyout Albies was owed, meaning the net additional commitment was only $3 million (Source 1.1, 1.5). Finding a starting-caliber second baseman on the free-agent market for anything close to that price is impossible.
- The Price Tag: Albies will be paid $7 million for the fourth straight season, a massive bargain for a player who, just two years ago, was an All-Star and received MVP consideration (Source 2.1, 1.3).
- Payroll Flexibility: Securing a starting second baseman for an effective salary of $3 million allows President Alex Anthopoulos to focus the team’s announced aggressive spending (on pitching and shortstop) without the need to address the keystone position (Source 1.6).
The Uncertainty: What It Means for Albies’ Future
While the option pickup is good news for 2026, the context surrounding Albies’ recent performance and health casts a long shadow over his long-term future in Atlanta.
| Concern | 2025 Season Result | Future Outlook |
| Offensive Dip | Slashed $.240/.306/.365$ with $16 \text{ HR}$ and $74 \text{ RBI}$, his lowest offensive output in years (Source 1.2). | Analysts believe he can bounce back, as he showed improvement in the second half of 2025 after getting further removed from his 2024 wrist injury (Source 1.8). |
| Health | Suffered a fractured left hamate bone in late September, the same wrist that gave him issues in 2024 (Source 1.2, 1.4). | He is expected to be fully healthy for Spring Training, but his repeated wrist/hand issues are a major concern moving forward (Source 1.2, 1.3). |
| 2027 Option | The 2026 option included a $4 million buyout. | The 2027 club option (also for $7 million) has no buyout (Source 1.5, 1.7). This makes 2026 a crucial “audition year” for Albies—if he struggles, the Braves can decline the 2027 option with no financial penalty. |
Ultimately, the move provides the Braves with essential security and financial flexibility for 2026, betting that their longest-tenured player can fully return to form after a disappointing, injury-riddled 2025 season.
Albies is secured, but the Braves still need a shortstop. Would you like the latest news on the Braves’ pursuit of Bo Bichette?
