Braves pay $24 million to retain Albies and Acuña for 2026 season

The Atlanta Braves exercised their 2027 club options on infielder Ozzie Albies and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. on Thursday. The decision secures the services of the team's core duo for another season at a combined cost of $24 million.

Albies, who turns 30 in January, is the longest-tenured player in the Braves clubhouse. He earned his fourth All-Star selection in 2026 and played in all 162 games. Despite a full season, his performance declined in the second half, where he batted .194 with a .575 on-base plus slugging average.

Over the full 2026 campaign, Albies hit .237 with a .685 on-base plus slugging average. The club option for him carried a $7 million salary and included a $4 million buyout clause. This structure made the financial commitment a straightforward decision for the front office, marking the final year of his club control.

Acuña Jr. will return to the Braves for a 2027 salary of $17 million. The club option included a $1 million buyout, bringing his total guaranteed compensation for the year to $18 million. The team had previously extended his contract through 2031 with a maximum extension value of $421 million.

Acuña Jr. was placed on the injured list on August 9, 2026, and did not play the remainder of the season. He returned to the team in September to help with the late-season stretch. His return was delayed by a shoulder injury that kept him out of the lineup for several weeks in August.

This move keeps both players under team control for the 2027 season. Albies will become a free agent after the 2027 season, while Acuña Jr. remains under contract through 2031. The Braves avoided the uncertainty of the free agent market for their two highest-impact players.

The decision aligns with the team's strategy to maintain stability in the lineup. Both players are expected to be key contributors as the Braves aim for a competitive run in the 2027 season. The club's payroll reflects a commitment to retaining its top talent despite the upcoming free agency window.