Braves Announce Ozzie Albies News Amid MLB Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 6:35 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves offseason has begun as the team has hired Walt Weiss as manager for the 2026 season, taking over for Brian Snitker. Atlanta is hoping he can lead the team on a quick turnaround with so many notable decisions to make this offseason. One of them is the future of the middle infield. Waiver acquisition shortstop Ha-Seong Kim opted out of his contract on Tuesday, becoming a free agent, and second baseman Ozzie Albies has a $7 million club option.

Albies is one of the longest-tenured Braves, having been with the organization since 2017. He has earned three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards and played a key role in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series title. The 28-year-old switch-hitter struggled in the 2025 season, posting a .240 batting average, .306 on-base percentage, .671 OPS, 16 home runs and 74 RBIs over 157 games.

Atlanta Braves second base Ozzie Albies (1) © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

However, it appears that regardless of the struggles, Atlanta is giving him another chance to return to form in 2026. On an appearance on 92.9 The Game, an Atlanta sports radio station, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos made a decision on Albies’ future with the organization. He announced the team will pick up Albies’ club option.

“#Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos just said on @929TheGame that they are picking up the club option on Ozzie Albies,” wrote Mark Zinno, a host on 92.9 The Game.

#Braves GM Alex Anthopolous just said on @929TheGame that they are picking up the club option on Ozzie Albies. @DukesandBell929 @putemupcdukes @grantmcauley
— Mark Zinno (@MarkZinno) November 4, 2025

A club option allows the team to retain a player for an additional season at a predetermined salary, which in this case is $7 million. If the Braves had declined the option, Albies would have received a $4 million buyout and entered unrestricted free agency.

Albies has been a key contributor in Atlanta for years, but his production has trended down over the last three seasons. He did show signs of improvement in the second half of 2025, batting .272 with a .330 on-base percentage and a .769 OPS, which likely contributed to the team’s decision to keep him for another year.

Albies’ 2025 campaign ended with a left hamate bone fracture in his hand, an injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the final stretch of the season. The team is hopeful that a full offseason of recovery will help him return to form.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: