Braves Lock in Albies, Release Johnson and Kinley Options

UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves have made significant roster decisions, confirming they will exercise their option on second baseman Ozzie Albies while declining options for pitchers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley as of today. This urgent move comes as the team aims to solidify its lineup for the upcoming season.

The Braves have opted to keep Albies for the 2026 season, securing him with a $7 million salary as part of a lucrative $45 million contract that spans nine years. Despite a challenging 2023 season where the 28-year-old recorded a career-low batting average of .240 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs, the Braves view his potential as integral to their future success.

In a contrasting move, the Braves will pay Johnson a $250,000 buyout instead of his $7 million salary, completing his two-year contract valued at $14.25 million. The 34-year-old right-hander demonstrated solid performance with a 3.05 ERA in 65 relief appearances, striking out 59 batters in 59 innings this past season.

Additionally, Kinley will receive a $750,000 buyout rather than his $5 million salary. The 35-year-old, who joined the Braves from the Colorado Rockies during the trade deadline, finished the season with a 3.96 ERA in 73 appearances, including an impressive 5-0 record with a 0.72 ERA in 24 games for the Braves.

Notably, the Braves also confirmed the continuation of left-hander Chris Sale, exercising his $18 million team option for 2026. Sale’s experience will be crucial as the Braves navigate the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.

These roster updates mark a pivotal moment for the Braves as they prepare for the upcoming season, impacting their overall strategy and player development. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how these changes affect the team’s performance in 2026.

Stay tuned for more breaking updates as the Braves finalize their roster ahead of the new season!