Braves Lock Ozzie Albies For 2027 Despite Career Lows
· Yahoo Sports
The Atlanta Braves made a move that feels wrong on paper but right for the roster. They exercised the $7 million option on Ozzie Albies for the 2027 season, according to RotoBaller MLB. This decision came even after the second baseman hit a career-low .237 last year. Per RotoBaller, the team announced the deal on Thursday, securing a player who is the franchise’s longest-tenured star.
Most fans expected the team to walk away from a player who struggled so hard. Albies hit just .194 in the second half of the season with a .575 OPS. Those numbers are ugly for a guy who made four All-Star teams before. Yet the Braves paid the full price to keep him in Atlanta for one more year. His original seven-year, $35 million contract now enters its final year for the 29-year-old switch-hitter.
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The Math Behind The Risk
Why spend $7 million on a player who missed his power and speed goals? The answer lies in his durability and the cost of replacement. Last year, Albies participated in every one of the team’s 162 regular season games. He scored 85 runs and drove in 73 while hitting 22 home runs across 615 at-bats. RotoBaller reported that he still provided plenty of value up the middle at the keystone spot. Finding a reliable everyday second baseman who can play every single game is nearly impossible in today’s league.
The money also makes sense when you look at the market. A $7 million price tag for a 29-year-old with his experience is a steal. He turns 30 in January, which is still young for a veteran leader. The team avoids the risk of a free-agent bidding war or a shaky minor league call-up. They know exactly what they get: a player who shows up every day and hits for average enough to keep the lineup moving.
Power Numbers Have Shifted
There is a dark side to this deal that fantasy managers must watch closely. It seems Albies is no longer a threat to achieve 20 homers and 20 steals. His speed has faded, and his power has dipped below his career norms. According to the source, he recorded only a .194 average and .575 OPS during the second half. That late-season slump suggests his bat might be slowing down as he ages.
Despite the drop in power, the Braves need him to stay healthy. He is the native of Curaçao who has been with the club since his debut. The organization trusts him to anchor the infield while they build around him. If he can bounce back to his .237 average from the full season, the $7 million investment pays off. If he drops below that mark, the team has no backup plan ready for 2027.
The Final Year Of The Deal
This move locks up the infield through 2027. Albies signed the original seven-year deal back in 2019 that included these specific options. Now he is entering the final year of that deal with the team. He will be the oldest player on the roster by experience, having reached his 10th year in the big leagues. The Braves are betting on his ability to adapt rather than his ability to dominate.
Keith Hernandez pointed out the concerning drop in his second-half performance. The team ignored that warning sign to secure the option. They are willing to take the risk that his bat will recover in 2027. If Albies can just stay healthy and hit .250, the $7 million option is a bargain.