From the moment the Atlanta Braves won their first World Series title since 1995, the focus shifted to re-signing first baseman Freddie Freeman. The five-time All-Star had spent his entire career in Atlanta, stuck through a rebuilding period and emerged as a World Series champion. He was the face of the franchise, and many around baseball expected him to stay in Atlanta.
That likely isn’t going to happen now, and shockingly, the Braves made the move to pave way for Freeman’s exit.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Braves and the Athletics agreed on a blockbuster trade to send All-Star first baseman Matt Olson to Atlanta for a package that included three of the Braves’ top 10 prospects.
Oakland will receive OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, SP Ryan Cusick and SP Joey Estes, sources tell ESPN. Massive haul for Matt Olson, the Braves’ new first baseman.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 14, 2022
Freeman had reportedly received offers from the Dodgers and Yankees, and with this trade, it signals that the Braves didn’t think they were going to compete with the offers Freeman had out there. The trade for Olson — an Atlanta native who turns 28 in two weeks — also provided some cover for Freeman to leave Atlanta without facing backlash from fans. It makes it look like the Braves made the decision for Freeman instead of Freeman leaving on his own.
But wow, what a trade. No wonder baseball fans were shocked.