URGENT UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves have made significant moves just hours ago, exercising their option on second baseman Ozzie Albies while declining options on pitchers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Braves as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
The Braves confirmed they are picking up Albies’ $7 million salary for the 2026 season, the final year of a $45 million deal spanning nine years. This comes after Albies, now 28 years old, experienced a challenging season, hitting a career-low of .240 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Atlanta will hand Johnson a $250,000 buyout instead of his $7 million salary for next year. Johnson, 34, concluded his two-year contract with a total of $14.25 million, finishing the season with a 3.05 ERA in 65 relief appearances.
Kinley will also see a buyout of $750,000 replace his $5 million salary. The 35-year-old right-hander, acquired from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline, posted a 3.96 ERA over 73 relief appearances, including a remarkable 0.72 ERA in 24 games for the Braves.
In addition, the Braves made headlines by officially retaining left-hander Chris Sale with an $18 million team option, ensuring the veteran remains a key part of their pitching lineup.
These roster changes highlight the Braves’ strategic approach as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the impact of these decisions on the team’s performance moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Braves continue to shape their roster in the wake of these developments.
