Braves Retain Acuña and Albies for Upcoming Season
The Atlanta Braves have officially exercised their options on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies for the upcoming season. Acuña is set to earn $17 million, while Albies will receive $7 million, matching his current salary.
The decisions to retain both players were straightforward for the Braves, as releasing them would have resulted in minimal savings. Acuña's option included a $10 million buyout, which would only have been activated in the event of a serious injury. Albies' contract, lacking a buyout, aligns with the salaries of solid utility infielders in free agency.
Acuña remains under team control for two additional seasons, with another $17 million option for 2028 likely to be exercised. Despite a less impressive season with a .255 batting average and 20 home runs, he is coming off a strong recovery from a previous injury. Albies, whose current contract is in its final year, has had a mixed performance, finishing the season with a .237 average and 22 home runs, leading to speculation about potential trade options for the Braves.
