Despite a recent surge at the plate, Atlanta Braves fans have witnessed an uncharacteristic season from Ozzie Albies in 2025. His speed on the bases and in the field has declined, his arm strength has dipped, and for much of the year, his power seemed to vanish. At times, it felt like his career was entering a steep decline.
Some attributed it to age—Albies is about to turn 29 with more than 1,000 MLB games played. Others believed his smaller frame and history of injuries had finally caught up to him. According to Braves hitting coach Tim Hyers, the answer may lie in a more specific issue: Albies’ wrist injury from last season.
Albies fractured his wrist after being hit by a pitch in July 2024. While he returned insisting he was fully healthy, Hyers told The Athletic’s David O’Brien that the lingering effects of that injury may have been underestimated. The problem wasn’t lingering pain, but rather a slower-than-expected recovery of wrist strength. This weakness may have contributed to his reduced bat speed and his tendency to be late on pitches earlier this season.
Although there were already signs of decline before the injury, Hyers’ comments shed new light on Albies’ struggles. Encouragingly, Albies has been swinging the bat much better recently, and if he sustains that form, it could ease the Braves’ decision-making regarding his future contract options.
For now, Albies’ resurgence is giving fans hope that his best days are not yet behind him.
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