The Atlanta Braves have enjoyed a strong offseason, bringing in players such as Robert Suarez and Mike Yastrzemski. They also agreed to a reunion with Ha-Seong-Kim, who is expected to start at shortstop in 2026. As a result, Mauricio Dubon will likely serve in a utility role, but he also is someone Atlanta could look to start at second base down the road. The Braves wouldn’t make that move if they still completely trust Ozzie Albies — but one has to wonder if the team is preparing for a long-term future without the infielder on the roster.
Albies, 28, is a three-time All-Star. There was a time when he was considered to be one of the best second baseman in the entire sport. Albies most recently made an All-Star team in 2023, however, and he has not been the same player over the past couple of years.
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It is worth noting that he was limited to only 99 games played in 2024. In 2025, though, Albies played almost a full season but struggled throughout the campaign. He slashed just .240/.306/.365 across 157 contests.
To make matters worse, Albies suffered a left hamate bone fracture in September of 2025, an injury that brought his season to an early end. Reports indicate that he will be ready for spring training, but the injury is one that has been known to linger in the past.
With all of that being said, should the Braves consider moving on from Albies?
Sure, trading Albies this offseason could be an option, but the fact of the matter is that his current trade value is quite low. If the Braves do end up deciding that moving on is their plan, waiting until the trade deadline in 2026 makes the most sense. Perhaps Albies will play well to begin the ’26 campaign — something that would obviously boost his trade value.
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The Braves already exercised their club option on Albies for 2026. The move was not surprising, as he’s too talented of a player to simply let walk via a contract option denial. They have another club option for 2027, so failing to trade him in 2026 would not be a nightmare scenario by any means.
Moving on from Albies would allow Atlanta to reset the middle infield while moving on from a 28-year-old who has dealt with injury concerns over the years. His decline in performance cannot be ignored.
No, the Braves certainly don’t have to trade Ozzie Albies, but it should be an option they consider at the very least.