Report: Braves discussed Olson trade with A's to potentially replace Freeman
The Atlanta Braves might be eyeballing a replacement for first baseman Freddie Freeman in case the slugger decides to leave in free agency when Major League Baseball's work stoppage ends.
The Braves discussed a trade with the Oakland Athletics involving All-Star first baseman Matt Olson before the lockout began, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Atlanta was doing more than due diligence in discussing the trade, Rosenthal adds.
Olson, who's four years younger than Freeman, posted better statistics than the 2020 National League MVP last season and is eligible for salary arbitration for two more years before hitting free agency. He's one of the many players the A's are reportedly interested in trading this offseason.
2021 stats
| PLAYER | HR | RBI | OPS | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Olson | 39 | 111 | .911 | 5.0 |
| Freddie Freeman | 31 | 83 | .896 | 4.5 |
Meanwhile, Freeman is reportedly seeking a six-year deal worth roughly $180 million. While the Braves have expressed a desire to get a contract done, the two sides haven't been able to agree to a deal, prompting Freeman's representatives to meet with other clubs, including the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are also reportedly interested in acquiring the California native.
Freeman has spent his entire career with the Braves, posting a career .295/.384/.509 slash line with 271 home runs and 941 RBIs in 12 seasons.
During his time in Atlanta, Freeman has also appeared in five All-Star Games, won three Silver Sluggers, and helped the Braves capture a World Series title in 2021.