Braves lock in Acuña and Albies for 2027

The Atlanta Braves exercised club options on infielder Ozzie Albies and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. on Thursday. The moves secure both players for the 2027 season at a combined cost of $24 million.

Albies, who turns 30 in January, is the longest-tenured player on the roster. He earned his fourth All-Star selection in 2026. He played in all 162 games this season, finishing with a .237 batting average and a .685 on-base plus slugging percentage. His production dipped in the second half when he batted .194 with a .575 OPS. The option included a $4 million buyout, making the decision financially straightforward. This will be Albies' final year under club control before he reaches free agency in 2027.

Acuña, 28, hit .297 with a .717 OPS and 17 home runs in 2026. He posted a .552 on-base plus slugging percentage, which led the National League. The Braves had never previously exercised a club option on him. The $17 million price tag was below the $21 million maximum he could have accepted. Acuña has not played in a full season since 2023. He suffered a torn meniscus in July 2024 and a torn ACL in 2025. He is expected to return to the lineup in 2027.

Both players are expected to remain with the Braves through 2027. After that season, they will both become free agents. The club retained flexibility by avoiding the higher maximum salaries. Acuña's return to the field is anticipated for the 2027 campaign. Albies will enter free agency following his final year of team control.