URGENT UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves have confirmed they will keep second baseman Ozzie Albies for the 2026 season, while simultaneously declining options for pitchers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley. This critical decision was made on Thursday, marking significant changes for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Albies, 28, will receive a $7 million salary in what will be the final year of his $45 million contract spanning nine years. Despite a challenging season in which he posted a career-low batting average of .240 with 16 homers and 74 RBIs, the Braves are banking on his potential for a rebound.
In a related move, the Braves exercised their $18 million team option on left-hander Chris Sale, further solidifying their pitching lineup.
Meanwhile, Johnson is set to receive a $250,000 buyout instead of his $7 million salary, concluding a two-year contract worth $14.25 million. The 34-year-old right-hander had a solid performance last season, finishing with a record of 3-3 and a 3.05 ERA over 65 relief appearances, striking out 59 batters in 59 innings.
Kinley, who turns 35 in January, will receive a $750,000 buyout rather than his $5 million salary. Acquired from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline, Kinley had an impressive stint with the Braves, boasting a record of 5-0 and a stellar 0.72 ERA in 24 games with the team. He will complete his contract originally agreed upon with the Rockies, which was a $6.25 million, three-year deal.
This latest shake-up highlights the Braves’ strategic focus as they look to optimize their roster for the 2026 season. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these decisions impact the team’s performance moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
