The Atlanta Braves were supposed to be a juggernaut this year. Instead, they’ve stumbled into one of the most disappointing campaigns in Major League Baseball. With October dreams slipping away, the focus has shifted to what comes next.
One name suddenly at the center of that conversation? Ozzie Albies.
A few years ago, Albies looked like a cornerstone in Atlanta — a switch-hitting spark plug, a fan favorite, and one of the best bargains in baseball thanks to his long-term contract. But now, with a team option looming and his performance dipping hard in 2024 and 2025, his future in a Braves uniform isn’t as certain as it once was.
Alex Anthopoulos Keeps It Vague on Albies
Braves President of Baseball Operations and GM Alex Anthopoulos didn’t offer much assurance when asked about Albies’ status. Speaking to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, Anthopoulos emphasized that decisions on team options are always made after the season.
“With all these options (on players), we always make the decision at the end of the year — you have five days after the World Series, and that’s when you make the decision. It’s just, things can happen, things change. You always wait.”
Translation? Don’t expect an early guarantee.
Anthopoulos also didn’t shy away from pointing out Albies’ struggles.
“He had a very rough first half. Him and (Michael Harris II) were top 10 in worst OPS (in the majors at the break). That’s just stating the facts.”
For a player who once seemed untouchable, that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Could Albies Hit the Market?
If the Braves do cut ties, Albies won’t be unemployed for long. According to Spotrac, he could land a five-year, $116 million deal in free agency. His track record — three All-Star selections, multiple 30-homer seasons, and strong defensive ability at second base — will be enough for someone to bet on a bounce-back.
The bigger question is whether Atlanta is ready to replace him. With no clear-cut successor waiting in the system, moving on would create just as many problems as it solves.
What Comes Next
Albies has at least shown durability, logging 144 games this season, and Anthopoulos did note his “floor” as being respectable even during down stretches. But the numbers don’t lie — his OPS+ sits at 91, a steep drop from the 100-plus mark he consistently posted earlier in his career.
If Albies can rediscover his rhythm, he still has the tools to be an All-Star again. But if the Braves don’t believe that rebound is coming, the unthinkable could become reality: Atlanta parting ways with one of its homegrown stars.
The decision won’t come until after the World Series — but for the first time in years, Ozzie Albies’ future in Atlanta is anything but guaranteed.
