Ozzie Albies has long been a fan favorite of the Atlanta Braves, and it’s easy to see why. With his electrifying style and natural enthusiasm, Albies embodies the spirit of the game in a way that resonates deeply with fans. He was even brought in to be a player correspondent for the 2024 World Series.
His 2023 season was nothing short of exceptional. Albies posted a .280 batting average, a .849 OPS, and reaching new personal bests in multiple categories. He smashed 30 doubles, five triples, and 33 home runs, driving in 109 RBIs—a performance that earned him a well-deserved All-Star spot.
But, like many of his Braves teammates, Albies faced a tough 2024 season marked by setbacks and injuries. The trouble began with a fractured left wrist from a collision with Cardinals outfielder Michael Siani in an attempt to tag him out at second base. The injury sidelined Albies for a significant portion of the season.
Without his consistent presence at second, the Braves scrambled to fill his role. Although the transition wasn’t seamless, Rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. gave it a shot. Veteran Whit Merrifield stepped in and delivered admirably, but Albies’ absence was felt.
Albies was back by mid-September. His return injected new energy into the Braves, who were locked in a close race for a playoff spot. However, his return wasn’t exactly triumphant on the field. His left wrist injury affected his swing, making it uncomfortable to hit from the left side.
This ultimately forced Albies to abandon his switch-hitting approach. While batting solely right-handed isn’t foreign to him, it limited his versatility. It also created some challenges against right-handed pitchers.
As the season wrapped up, Albies’ numbers told the story of a challenging return. His first half was solid, with a .258 batting average, 27 doubles, eight home runs, and 44 RBIs. But in the second half, Albies saw his numbers dip to a .200 average over 12 games, showing just two doubles and two homers—far from his 2023 production.
His struggles followed him into the Wild Card series against the Padres, where playing away from home compounded his road woes. In 2024, he batted a mere .216 away from Truist Park, compared to a respectable .287 average at home.
There were bright spots in terms of advanced metrics. Albies maintained a respectable strikeout rate of 14.9% and a whiff rate of 20.5%. His walk percentage dropped to 6.2%, but he still demonstrated his usual contact abilities. His defense, usually solid, appeared a bit less reliable, with a -2 Outs Above Average (OAA) and a noticeable decline in arm strength—concerning signs as the Braves weigh his future value.
Albies’ 2025 season will be one to watch closely, as it could be his last in Atlanta if the Braves decide to explore other options. With a $7 million salary for 2025 and club options for 2026 and 2027 at the same rate, his contract is a bargain for a player of his caliber. If he can return to his 2023 form, he is among the top value contract wise across the MLB.
Much will hinge on his wrist and whether it will allow him to reclaim his power from both sides of the plate. Meanwhile, his defensive range and arm strength will be critical in determining whether the Braves can afford to take a chance on him moving forward.
