Braves trade for Matt Olson, signaling departure of Freddie Freeman
The Atlanta Braves agreed to a big trade on Monday that could signal the unofficial end of Freddie Freeman’s time with the franchise.
All-Star first baseman Matt Olson has been traded to the Braves from the Oakland A’s. Oakland will receive several big-name prospects in return.
Multiple reporters say that outfielder Cristian Pache, catcher Shea Langeliers, and pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes are being sent to Oakland as part of the deal.
Freeman is a free agent, and there have been signs that the Braves were going to put a cap on how much they would offer him. There has been talk linking the long-time Braves first baseman to teams like the Dodgers.
Atlanta giving up so much to get Olson signals they are closing the door on the return of Freeman, who is likely to cost in the range of $30 million per season.
Olson is an Atlanta native and turns 28 at the end of the month. He is a big power hitter and coming off his best season as a pro. He batted .271 with 39 home runs and 111 RBIs last season for the A’s, while posting a .911 OPS.
