A big piece of the Atlanta Braves' 2025 struggles has been the unexpected regression of second baseman Ozzie Albies. The veteran had been a consistent source of offense throughout his career and was believed only to take a step back last season due to injury. However, this hasn't been the case with the season being the worst of the veteran's career thus far. Albies is hitting .221 and often putting up awful at-bats. While Albies has always had a free-swing approach, things have grown far worse in the ability to reach pitches and to provide any source of consistency.
It is starting to grow dark enough to bring up conversations about whether or not Albies is still the future at the position. Mixed in the middle of this is the fact that Albies is close with the team's best player. The 2023 MVP is already off to a torrid start this season and will need to be retained. Parting ways with Albies could possibly complicate this. Still, if things continue at the current level, Atlanta isn't going to have any choice but to pivot away from the veteran.
Ozzie Albies Braves Future Now in Question as July Approaches
Looking at the current lineup, you have Albies, Nick Allen, and Michael Harris, who are often offensive liabilities. Both Sean Murphy and Alex Verdugo are dangerously reaching this level as well. The Braves might be able to accept Allen's lack of production when you consider the defensive value. However, it becomes impossible to keep all of these players in the lineup and expect to win with any consistency.
It is more than just a bad month for Albies, who has seen his numbers fall in the wrong direction and seems powerless to change this. Atlanta is going to have to decide on next year's option and will need a second-half surge from the infielder to have a clear answer.
If the current level of struggles continues, there is a very real possibility that the Braves will attempt to find another answer. One that either provides a better level of defense or can give more offensive consistency. Albies is simply running out of time and patience on a team that can no longer afford to accept failing veterans.