The Atlanta Braves have yet to re-sign free-agent first baseman Freddie Freeman, despite the widespread expectations that the 2020 NL MVP would be back in Atlanta on a long-term deal. With the transaction freeze set to take place when the MLB lockout occurs in just a couple of days, the Braves are running out of time to get a deal done with their superstar slugger.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Braves have actually gone as far as to establish a “contingency plan” in case Freeman ends up being poached away on the open market.
Braves have checked in on A’s star 1B Matt Olson, presumably as a contingency plan in case Freddie Freeman leaves via free agency. Most still have a hard time envisioning Freeman in any other uniform but Braves want to be prepared.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2021
Heyman reports that the Braves have “checked in” on the availability of Oakland A's star first baseman Matt Olson. Should the unforeseen occur and Freeman signs elsewhere, the Braves could try to bring Olson to Atlanta.
Olson is coming off an outstanding season in 2021, but there is a common belief that the Athletics won't be able to re-sign him when he's due to hit free agency. Olson will likely command a hefty contract, and it remains to be seen if Oakland has the resources to commit that much money to one player. The Braves, should they re-sign Freeman, would likely be looking at a six-year deal worth $30 million annually, so they could probably afford to extend Olson if Freeman is no longer an option.
Olson hit .271/.371/.510 in 2021 with a career-high 39 home runs and 111 RBI. The first baseman made his first-ever All-Star appearance and finished eighth in American League MVP voting. He's arbitration-eligible until the 2023 season, after which he'd become a free agent for the first time in his career.
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