The Atlanta Braves continue to fine-tune their roster, and Thursday’s moves provided a clear look into the franchise’s strategic thinking as it eyes the 2026 season and beyond. In a move widely expected, the Braves exercised their $7 million option on star second baseman Ozzie Albies while declining team options on veteran relievers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley, decisions that reflect a blend of financial discipline and forward planning.
Albies’ Bargain Contract Still Paying Off
At just 28 years old, Albies will enter the final year of what’s arguably one of the most team-friendly deals in Major League Baseball, a nine-year, $45 million contract signed back in 2019. His 2026 salary is set at $7 million, a number that looks even more modest when viewed against the rising cost of infield talent across the league. Yes, his .240 batting average in 2025 marked a career low, but the power remains intact with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. For a player who contributes on both sides of the ball and serves as a key emotional core of the clubhouse, Albies remains an invaluable asset at a bargain price.
Pierce Johnson: Reliable, But Not $7 Million Worth
The bullpen, however, is another story. Atlanta chose not to bring back Pierce Johnson, opting instead for financial flexibility and perhaps a renewed focus on developing internal arms or seeking new blood in free agency. Johnson, who posted a solid 3.05 ERA in 65 appearances, will receive a $250,000 buyout instead of a $7 million salary. His two-year stint in Atlanta ends with a decent showing—59 strikeouts in 59 innings, but not enough to justify the cost at age 34.
Tyler Kinley Was Brilliant—But Too Pricey
Then there’s Kinley. Acquired at the trade deadline from the Rockies, Kinley was a revelation down the stretch, posting a stunning 0.72 ERA in 24 games for the Braves. Despite that performance, his full-season ERA of 3.96 and the $5 million price tag for 2026 didn’t make the cut. Instead, the Braves will pay a $750,000 buyout and move on. Notably, Kinley’s 2023 return from flexor tendon surgery was part of a three-year, $6.25 million agreement with Colorado, a deal that perhaps gave Atlanta both a short-term boost and long-term outs.
The message is clear: Atlanta is willing to pay for performance, but only within a framework that maintains payroll flexibility. With stars like Albies locked in at below-market prices, the Braves remain in a strong position to build sustainably while competing at the highest level.
