Braves Secure Ozzie Albies for the Future
The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move to bolster their roster by picking up Ozzie Albies’ $7 million club option. This decision comes amidst a transformative offseason following the team’s absence from the postseason for the first time since 2017. Braves President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Alex Anthopoulos, confirmed the news during a recent radio interview on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game.
Albies, a key figure in the Braves’ lineup, has faced challenges over the past season. The 28-year-old second baseman dealt with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand that sidelined him during crucial weeks. Despite these setbacks, he played in 157 games and posted a batting average of .240 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. The latter part of the season, however, showed a resurgence in his performance, as he slashed .282/.326/.462 in September, contributing 14 RBIs and three home runs while minimizing strikeouts to just six.
Albies’ Journey and Impact
Anthopoulos discussed Albies’ struggles and subsequent recovery, noting that both he and teammate Michael Harris had a slow start to the year. “I know he was inconsistent last year,” Anthopoulos said. “But in the second half of the year, he was back to himself. He set the bar so high because of All-Stars and Silver Sluggers that when he scuffles… I would never have thought, not in a million years, that they could even be in that conversation. But they did both turn it around in the second half of the year.”
Albies has been an integral part of the Braves organization since his debut, earning three All-Star selections and playing a pivotal role in the team’s 2021 World Series championship victory. His leadership and skill have made him a cornerstone of the franchise, and the decision to exercise his option reflects the team’s commitment to him moving forward.
Looking Ahead
In addition to this decision, the Braves also hold a club option for Albies worth $7 million for the 2027 season, which means he could remain with the team until he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028. Anthopoulos emphasized Albies’ importance to the team, stating, “He’s a core guy and one of the leaders on this team. We’re really fortunate, as an organization, to have him be a part of this place.”
As the Braves navigate their offseason, retaining Albies positions them well for the future, solidifying their infield and maintaining a strong connection to their recent championship success. The excitement surrounding his continued presence in Atlanta is palpable, signaling a commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.
