This one’s a gut punch for Atlanta Braves fans who’ve ridden the Ozzie Albies rollercoaster since day one. Over the last year, it’s been hard not to notice that the shine has come off a bit, not just because of bad luck or some random slump.
We’re talking injuries, declining tools, and a shifting narrative that’s put Albies’ long-term future in question—even among the Atlanta faithful.
Albies crushed it in 2023. That .280 average, 33 bombs, and a 5.0 rWAR? That’s superstar-level stuff. For a second baseman who has always been a spark plug for the Braves offense, it was arguably his finest season to date.
But 2024? Completely different story. A fractured toe, a broken wrist, and only 10 homers in 99 games—his OPS plummeted to .707, and it wasn’t just a fluke. You started seeing cracks that were harder to ignore.
The Worrisome Decline: More Than Just Injuries
It’s not just the time on the IL that’s concerning—it’s what Albies is doing when he’s on the field. Defensive metrics have dipped, his arm strength is looking a little tired, and the raw power that propped up his offensive value seems to be fading. That ability to turn on a fastball and drive it with authority is showing up less and less.
Then there’s his plate approach. Albies has never been known for drawing walks, but it’s becoming more glaring as other skills erode. Combine that with bottom-tier bat speed and limited hard contact, and you’re staring down the barrel of a profile that becomes way more replaceable.
A Braves Contract Too Friendly to Ignore
But here’s the twist—and it’s a big one: Albies’ contract. The Braves hold club options for both 2026 and 2027 at just $7 million each. That’s an eye-popping bargain in today’s market, especially when middle infielders with even decent production are commanding double that amount on the open market.
So even if Albies is no longer an All-Star-caliber player, his deal still offers surplus value. In fact, given how thin the second base market has been in recent years, it would take a total collapse for Atlanta to even consider not picking up that option.
The Harsh Truth and a Low-Risk Gamble
There’s a real possibility that what we’re watching now is the beginning of Albies’ decline. He’s had a rough start to 2025, and while you can expect some positive regression from his current .545 OPS, he may simply not be that guy anymore. Not the game-changer. Not the future face of the franchise.
But you know what? That’s okay. The Braves don’t need him to be a superstar anymore. With so much talent up and down the roster, they need cost-controlled, dependable role players. Albies, even in a diminished state, fits that bill.
So when it comes time to make a decision after this season, there won’t be much hand-wringing in the front office. Because even if Albies is fading, $7 million for a veteran second baseman who still brings leadership, experience, and flashes of past greatness? That’s still a win.
