Braves exercise options on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies

The Atlanta Braves have exercised options on both outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and second baseman Ozzie Albies. Acuña, a five-time All-Star and the 2023 NL MVP, signed an eight-year, $100 million contract in 2019 that included $17 million options for 2028. The Braves exercised Acuña's $17 million option on Thursday. Albies, a 29-year-old four-time All-Star, signed a seven-year, $35 million contract that included $7 million options for 2026 and 2027, raising the contract's value to $45 million over nine seasons.

Acuña struggled in 2024, hitting .255 with 20 homers, 55 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. He was sidelined by a left hamstring injury in mid-May and again in mid-June. Albies had a career-low .237 batting average in 2024, with 22 homers and 73 RBIs. He appeared in all 162 games for the Braves.