ATLANTA -- The Braves exercised their option on second baseman Ozzie Albies on Thursday while declining options on pitchers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley .

The Braves also made official that it was picking up its $18 million team option on left-hander Chris Sale .

Albies gets a $7 million salary in 2026 for what will be the last season in a deal worth $45 million over nine years. The 28-year-old hit a career-low .240 with 16 homers and 74 RBIs.

Johnson gets a $250,000 buyout rather than a $7 million salary, completing a two-year contract guaranteeing $14.25 million. The 34-year-old right-hander was 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 65 relief appearances, striking out 59 in 59 innings.

Kinley receives a $750,000 buyout instead of a $5 million salary. A right-hander who turns 35 in Ja

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