The 2025 MLB season is flying by as the middle of May approaches.
The Atlanta Braves have left much to be desired throughout the early part of the campaign, playing to a 19-20 record ahead of Sunday afternoon's clash with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Having said that, a 14-7 record in the Braves' last 21 games has put them back into the playoff picture, leaving time to tell if they can continue building momentum to close out May.
As solid as they've been playing lately, the Braves certainly wouldn't mind if a few struggling veterans stepped up before June arrives. That includes one infielder who's easily been one of the club's worst players in recent weeks.
Braves 2B Ozzie Albies is on Thin Ice Heading Into June
This season is a big one for Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies. The 2025 campaign marks the final guaranteed year on the 28-year-old infielder's contract, meaning he must impress Atlanta's front office and coaching staff if he wants his $7 million 2026 club option picked up this winter.
Albies is a long-time Braves fan favorite and three-time MLB All-Star; however, recent injuries combined with his declining performance left fans concerned heading into the 2025 season. Unfortunately, he's shown few signs of a turnaround through the first month-and-a-half of action.
In his first 39 games (156 at-bats), Albies is only slashing .218/.276/.340 with five home runs, 15 RBIs, 13 walks, and five stolen bases along the way. His poor performance became even worse once the calendar flipped to May, as Albies only has one HR and a pair of RBIs with a .147 batting average and .446 OPS through his first 34 ABs this month.
It's gotten to the point where Braves manager Brian Snitker might want to move Albies to the back of the batting order. It seems like an inevitability, anyway, considering that Ronald Acuna Jr. will be back in the lineup sooner rather than later.
If his struggles persist, it's hard to imagine Albies having much of a future in Atlanta. Failing to turn things around will only entice the Braves not to pick up his option, leaving him as a likely free agent next offseason if he isn't dealt before July's trade deadline.
The clock is ticking for Albies to step up if he wants to be a part of a potential championship run this fall. As it stands, the Braves are heading into Sunday's action tied with the rival Philadelphia Phillies for the fourth-best 2025 World Series odds (+1300) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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