One step forward, and two steps back. That has been the story for the 2025 Atlanta Braves. Inconsistent offensive production has been the main culprit to the Braves 31-39 start to the season. Numerous key hitters have played their role (or lack thereof) in subjecting fans to maddening TV viewing like the series finale Atlanta had against the Rockies.
However, one normally consistent veteran is in the midst of the worst season of his nine-year career. Ozzie Albies has always been a trusted cog in the Braves lineup, but this season he's yet to produce an extended run of good at-bats, let alone any semblance of production.
Sure, Ozzie has typically been a streaky hitter in the past, but 2025 hasn't offered enough of those patented hot streaks. As a result, the Braves offense continues to search for answers. Unfortunately, the underlying data suggest Ozzie isn't due for a turnaround either.
This Ozzie’s 70th game of the season
— Stephen (@b_outliers) June 15, 2025
First 17 games: 4 HRs, 116 wRC+
53 games since: 2 HRs, 64 wRC+
He went 0-12 in the Rockies series and since May 30th has a 35 wRC+
Ozzie Albies lack of production will keep the Braves from turning their nightmare season around
Outside of Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, and Ronald Acuna Jr. (for all of 20 games in total) no Atlanta Braves hitter can say their enjoying a season where they are meeting preseason expectations. In the case of everyday guys like Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies, they are drastically underperforming this year.
Ozzie's fall-off shouldn't blindside fans as the warning signs were present in 2024. However, most chalked that up to a nightmare injury season for Albies and the Braves altogether. Sadly, things have continued to trend in the wrong direction for Albies in 2025. As of June 15th, Albies owns a slash line of .222/.297/.322 with just six home runs, a 75 wRC+, and 0.5 fWAR via Fangraphs.
Albies' struggles had seemingly flown under the radar because he produced the longest on-base streak of his career recently, but nothing during that run suggested his success would last. In fact, Albies ranks in just the fourth percentile in hard hit rate, seventh percentile in bat speed, and seventh percentile in average exit velocity via Baseball Savant. Albies' .291 xwOBA is slightly better than one of the worst qualified hitters in baseball, Ke'Bryan Hayes of the Pittsburgh Pirates who owns a .288 xwOBA.
The zap in power for Albies is the most concerning part of his statcast profile. His current .619 OPS is nearly .100 points lower than his previous career low of .703 back in 2022. One big reason is his lack of production against left-handed pitchers. Albies normally feasts on LHP's, but this season he's putting up just a 62 wRC+ against southpaws.
Teams around the National League are getting better, meanwhile the Braves are counting on everyday players like Albies to turn their season around. Should Albies continue to struggle, the Braves may be out of postseason contention before the All-Star break and Alex Anthopoulos' decision on Albies' future may not be as easy as we once thought.