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The Atlanta Braves have struggled all season long, and it’s resulting in the organization selling at the trade deadline. Now, there is some clarification about what will happen with second baseman Ozzie Albies.
In his recent report for USA Today, insider Bob Nightengale reported the team will look to the offseason to move on from him instead of at the deadline.
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“Even with Atlanta All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies’ struggles this year, Atlanta plans to pick up his $7 million option this winter and will at least listen to trade offers for him,” wrote Nightengale. “Albies also has a $7 million club option in 2027.”
Albies entered Tuesday with a slash line of .218/.297/.322 so far this season is far from great. He has just nine home runs and 40 RBI. It makes sense that the Braves won’t try to trade him now.
Even with 2 1/2 years of team control left, Albies’ value is extremely low right now. Contenders simply aren’t going to trade for a player hitting just above the Mendoza line.
If the Braves wait to move Albies in the offseason, it helps them in more than one way. More teams that need a second baseman can become a trade partner in hopes of getting the right package back to Atlanta. Waiting until the winter also allows the organization to use previous seasons as the selling point rather than his stats from this year.
Given that Albies is with the Braves for so little money, it wouldn’t make sense for the organization to move on from him at all. If Atlanta wants a quick turnaround, keeping Albies is their best bet.
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