Braves lock in $24 million in player options

The Atlanta Braves exercised their contract options on two core players on Thursday, committing to an additional $24 million in guaranteed money. The team kept outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and second baseman Ozzie Albies through their respective option years.

Acuña, the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player, was retained for the 2027 season at a cost of $17 million. He signed an eight-year, $100 million deal in 2019 that included this specific option with a $10 million buyout clause. The contract also contains a separate $17 million option for 2028, which does not feature a buyout provision.

The franchise also picked up Albies for the 2026 season at a price of $7 million. The 29-year-old infielder signed a seven-year, $35 million contract in 2019 that included options for both 2026 and 2027. Exercising the 2026 option extends the total value of his agreement to $45 million over nine seasons.

Acuña finished the regular season with a .255 batting average, 20 home runs, 55 runs batted in, and 21 stolen bases. A left hamstring injury sidelined the 28-year-old from May 2 to May 19 and again from June 10 to July 27.

Albies posted career lows in hitting this year, recording a .237 average with 22 home runs and 73 runs batted in. The four-time All-Star was one of seven players on the roster to appear in all 162 regular-season games.