The Atlanta Braves aren’t expecting franchise icon Freddie Freeman to make a decision in free agency. The defending World Series champions are trading for star Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson.
Olson, an All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, is considered a rising power who hit 39 home runs last season, including in a cavernous Oakland ballpark.
He’s also over four years younger than Freeman, and appears to be dramatically cheaper for the next few seasons.
The move could spell the end of Freeman’s time in Atlanta. The 2020 NL MVP has spent his entire career with the Braves thus far and led the team to their 2021 World Series triumph. The Dodgers and Yankees are rumored to be after him.
The A’s, who seem intent on trading stars and veterans, will supposedly receive excellent defensive center fielder Cristian Pache, esteemed catcher prospect Shea Langeliers and pitching prospects Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes in return. The A’s announced the deal.