Could the Braves Replace Ozzie Albies with an All-Star Talent?
Not long ago, the idea of the Atlanta Braves moving on from Ozzie Albies would have been almost unthinkable. His contract was one of the most team-friendly deals in baseball, and he consistently ranked among the league’s best second basemen. But injuries and a sharp decline in production over the last couple of years have raised real questions about his future in Atlanta.
This season, through 125 games, Albies is hitting just .226/.299/.327. His power has dipped, his speed and defensive impact have waned, and multiple injuries have limited both his playing time and explosiveness. If this is the beginning of a permanent decline, it’s a difficult reality for both the player and the team.
While the Braves are still likely to exercise Albies’ affordable $7 million team option for next season, they could also look to trade him after doing so. If that happens, one name stands out as a potential replacement: Gleyber Torres.
Why Gleyber Torres Makes Sense for Atlanta
After signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers last offseason, Torres has rebuilt his value. In nearly 500 plate appearances, he’s posted a .757 OPS with underlying hitting metrics suggesting room for even better production. While he never became the feared slugger many expected during his Yankees tenure, his bat would likely provide an upgrade over Albies at this point.
Defensively, Torres is average at best, but compared to Albies’ current performance, it would be close to even. The key difference is offense—Torres brings steadier production at the plate without commanding a massive contract.
If Atlanta pursued him, they wouldn’t need to commit long-term. A two-year deal with a club option for a third could make sense, giving the Braves flexibility while they evaluate their future at second base.
The Big Picture
Keeping Albies at his current salary is still very appealing, especially if he can rebound. But if the Braves decide it’s time for a change, Torres could be a cost-effective, productive alternative who keeps Atlanta competitive in the infield.
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