Braves Urged to Retain 2-Time Silver Slugger, 3-Time All-Star Ozzie Albies

The 28-year-old second baseman is entering a contract year with the Braves.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are facing a difficult decision regarding the future of second baseman Ozzie Albies, a 2-time Silver Slugger and 3-time All-Star who is entering the final year of his contract. Despite Albies' injury history, the Braves have shown their belief in him by exercising his $18 million team option for 2026 and keeping him as a key part of their roster.

Why it matters

Albies is a fan favorite in Atlanta and a talented player when healthy, but his durability issues have raised questions about whether the Braves should retain him long-term. The team's decision on Albies' future could have major implications for their roster and their chances of contending in the coming years.

The details

The Braves recently exercised Albies' $18 million team option for 2026, the final year of his 9-year, $45 million contract. Albies is coming off a season where he hit a career-low .240 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. However, he recently made history by hitting the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history, lifting the Netherlands to a 4-3 win over Nicaragua.

  • Albies' contract option for 2026 was picked up by the Braves on Thursday.
  • Albies hit the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history in March 2026.

The players

Ozzie Albies

A 28-year-old second baseman for the Atlanta Braves who is a 2-time Silver Slugger and 3-time All-Star, but has dealt with injury issues throughout his career.

Chris Sale

A left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who had his $18 million team option picked up for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“It's entirely possible this is wishful thinking. From here, though, it seems like Albies is a guy still in his prime who's just run into one obstacle after another of late that has masked his true skill level. That feels even truer now after his WBC moment, and hopefully this should convince the Braves once and for all that he's not a player worth parting with for no reason.”

— Chris Landers, Writer (FanSided)

What’s next

The Braves will have to decide whether to sign Albies to a long-term contract extension or let him enter free agency after the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ozzie Albies is a talented player who has struggled with injuries, but his recent heroics in the World Baseball Classic may convince the Braves to make a concerted effort to keep him in Atlanta long-term. The team's decision on Albies' future will be a key storyline to watch as the Braves look to contend for another championship.