The Atlanta Braves have faced several difficult roster decisions in recent seasons, particularly when it comes to players who have been part of the team’s core for years. With some of those contracts approaching important decision points, Atlanta has plenty to consider heading into another offseason.
One of those decisions involved Ozzie Albies last winter. The second baseman had a club option for the 2026 season, and the Braves ultimately chose to exercise it, keeping one of their longtime stars in Atlanta.
MLB Trade Rumors reported that Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed the organization’s decision during a radio appearance, making it clear that Albies would remain under contract for the upcoming campaign.
That decision quickly looked like a smart one once the season began.
Albies came out of the gate swinging and provided exactly the type of offensive production Atlanta had hoped to see from him. His early-season performance was impressive enough to draw comparisons to another undersized second baseman known for producing at an elite level: Jose Altuve.
One analysis from House That Hank Built highlighted how closely several elements of Albies’ offensive profile compared with Altuve’s 2024 numbers, including bat speed, hard-hit rate, chase rate, walk rate and average exit velocity.
The comparison was particularly encouraging because a healthy and productive Albies can completely change the Braves’ lineup. When he is locked in at the plate, Atlanta gets another dangerous middle-of-the-order threat capable of creating offense in multiple ways.
Now, however, the Braves face another important decision.
Atlanta will once again have to determine whether it wants to exercise Albies’ club option for the 2027 season. His seven-year, $35 million contract, signed in 2019, included team options covering the final seasons of the deal.
Based on what Albies has produced this year, the decision appears relatively straightforward.
Through the current season, Albies has posted 20 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .728 OPS, numbers that make his $7 million option for 2027 look extremely reasonable.
While his performance has had its ups and downs over the years, the overall value he provides makes bringing him back an obvious choice. The Braves know what Albies can do when he is healthy, and his familiarity with the organization only adds to his value.
There is also the connection between Albies and Atlanta that goes beyond the numbers.
He has become a fan favorite during his time with the Braves and has enjoyed plenty of success in the organization, including winning two Silver Slugger Awards. Albies has also consistently expressed his appreciation for the city and his desire to remain in Atlanta.
If the decision were entirely his, there is little doubt that Albies would choose to stay.
The Braves should feel the same way.
At just $7 million for 2027, retaining a proven, popular and potentially difference-making second baseman would be one of the easiest calls Atlanta has to make this offseason.
