The Atlanta Braves endured a down 2025 MLB season. Atlanta has somewhat quietly had a productive offseason, however. With that being said, some have wondered if second baseman Ozzie Albies is still part of the Braves’ long-term plans.

Albies, 28, has a club option for the 2027 MLB season. He had a club option for the ’26 campaign as well, which Atlanta picked up. Even if the Braves’ pick up next year’s option as well, Albies is on track to enter free agency in 2028 at the latest barring a contract extension.

Advertisement

So, that leads to the Braves’ pressing concern at the moment. Losing Albies in free agency for nothing in return would be a worst possible scenario. In all reality, the Braves need to either trade or extend him.

A two-time All-Star, Albies had a down 2025 campaign. He hit just .240/.306/.365 across 157 games. He also suffered an injury late in the season, but the Braves are hopeful that he will be ready for the beginning of the ’26 campaign.

Regardless, Albies’ lackluster performance saw his trade value decline. Of course, passing on the club option would have been a questionable decision, as Albies then could have signed with any other team and the Braves would have likely lost him in free agency.

Advertisement

If the Braves want to sign him to a long-term deal, now would be the time to do it. Albies’ underperformance could lead to a team-friendly contract. However, Albies may be hesitant. He’d likely prefer to have a bounce back season before negotiating in long-term contract extension talks.

If the Braves do not consider Albies part of their future, then trading him at the 2026 trade deadline would be their best option — if he performs well early in the season. A bounce back first half of the campaign would lead to an increase in trade value, something that would give the Braves leverage in potential trade discussions.

If the Braves are planning to move on from Albies at some point, they will also need to begin considering the future of their second base position. Atlanta could always turn to free agency or a trade, or the team may look at an internal candidate.

Either way, the uncertainty around Ozzie Albies’ future with the Braves is something Atlanta needs to figure out as soon as they can.