Bravos Activate $24 Million in Player Options

The Atlanta Braves exercised their contract options for outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and shortstop Ozzie Albies on Thursday. The move activates a combined $24 million in salaries for the 2027 season.

Acuña's extension covers a $17 million salary for 2027. His original eight-year, $100 million deal, signed in 2019, included this specific option with a $10 million buyout clause. A second option for $17 million in 2028 exists but lacks a buyout provision. Acuña, a five-time All-Star and the 2023 National League MVP, hit .255 with 20 home runs and 55 RBI this season. He missed 34 games due to a left hamstring injury, spending time on the injured list from May 2 to May 19 and June 10 to July 27.

Albies' option secures a $7 million salary for 2027. The 29-year-old shortstop signed a seven-year, $35 million contract in 2019 that included options for both 2026 and 2027. These clauses raised his total compensation to $45 million over nine seasons. Albies, a four-time All-Star, hit a career-low .237 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI. He played in all 162 regular-season games for the Braves this year.

The club confirmed the moves as part of its standard offseason roster construction. Acuña, 28, and Albies, 29, will remain under contract through their respective extended terms.