The Atlanta Braves are preparing for Opening Day with several familiar faces in key roles, including longtime second baseman Ozzie Albies. As he gets set for another season in Atlanta, Albies is also on the verge of making franchise history.
Albies is preparing for his tenth MLB season after debuting midway through 2017 in August, and he has been the Braves primary second baseman ever since taking over the starting role in 2018. Over that span, he has developed into one of the most recognizable and consistent players in the organization.
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Now, he is about to reach a significant milestone. Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported on Thursday, “Ozzie Albies is set to make his franchise high ninth Opening Day start as a second baseman for the Braves tomorrow. Glenn Hubbard is the only other player in franchise history to make at least eight OD starts at second base.”
The achievement speaks to Albies longevity and importance to the franchise. Being trusted with the Opening Day start year after year is a reflection of both his talent and his durability, something that has defined much of his career in Atlanta.
However, Albies enters the 2026 season looking to rebound from a down year. In 157 games last season, he posted a .240 batting average with a .306 on‑base percentage and a career‑low .671 OPS, along with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. Those numbers fell short of the standard he set earlier in his career.
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At his best, Albies has been one of the top second basemen in baseball. He is a three‑time All‑Star, a two‑time Silver Slugger and played a key role in helping the Braves win the 2021 World Series. That version of Albies is exactly what Atlanta hopes to see again this season.
The stakes are also increasing. Albies has a $7 million club option for next year, and while that is a team‑friendly figure, his long‑term future with the organization could depend on how he performs in 2026.
For the Braves, a bounce‑back season from Albies could make a major difference. After missing the playoffs in 2025, Atlanta is aiming to return to contention, and a productive middle infield will be critical to that goal.
If Albies can return to his prime form while continuing to make history, he could once again be a driving force behind the Braves success. If not, this could be his 10th and final season with the only franchise he has ever known.