ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Braves have made their first major roster decision of the offseason, announcing on Tuesday that they will exercise the $7 million club option for veteran second baseman Ozzie Albies for the 2026 season.
The announcement was made by Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos during an appearance on Atlanta sports radio station 92.9 The Game, bringing clarity to one half of the team’s unsettled middle infield.
The Albies Decision
Despite Albies’ recent struggles, the decision reflects the team’s commitment to the long-tenured star, who has been with the organization since 2017 and was key to the 2021 World Series title.
| Ozzie Albies (2025 Season) | Statistic | Value | Notes |
| Games Played | 157 | Season ended by injury. | |
| Batting Average | .240 | Career low (full season). | |
| OPS | .671 | Significantly below career average (.775). | |
| Home Runs | 16 | T-6th on the team. | |
| RBI | 74 |
The club option came with a favorable price tag of $7 million, compared to a $4 million buyout if the team had declined. Anthopoulos is betting on a bounce-back year for the switch-hitter, especially since Albies’ 2025 campaign ended with a left hamate bone fracture requiring surgery.
Second-Half Improvement: Albies showed signs of returning to form before the injury, batting .272 with a .769 OPS in the second half of the season, which likely sealed the team’s decision to retain him. The Braves are hopeful a full, healthy offseason will allow the 28-year-old to return to his All-Star form.
Shortstop Search Intensifies
The decision on Albies contrasts sharply with the situation at shortstop:
| Position | Player | 2026 Status | Notes |
| Second Base | Ozzie Albies | Option Picked Up ($7M) | Team hoping for a rebound after hand surgery; cost-effective. |
| Shortstop | Ha-Seong Kim | Opted Out (Free Agent) | Declined $16M option; seeking multi-year deal in a weak SS market. |
With Ha-Seong Kim officially opting out on Tuesday and entering free agency, the shortstop position immediately becomes the Braves’ No. 1 offseason priority. The team will either attempt to negotiate a new, more expensive multi-year deal with Kim (who showed improved performance in his brief Braves stint) or explore trade and other free-agent options in a thin market.
The Braves have secured their second baseman at a bargain rate. Given the massive needs at shortstop, starting pitching, and the bullpen, how much should the Braves prioritize re-signing Ha-Seong Kim, even if it costs more than the $16 million he declined?
