Freddie Freeman is one of the most loved players in Atlanta Braves history and he just helped them win a World Series title in 2021. However, despite the current strike, he's failed to come to an agreement on an extension with the organization. Not last spring or last summer.
That raises the question, could Freeman really leave the Braves? It doesn't seem likely, but given that he is a free agent, anything is possible. That being said, Atlanta has already pinpointed a potential replacement for the first basemen. Oakland Athletics slugger Matt Olson.
Via The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal:
For the Braves, the pre-emptive strike would be a trade for Athletics first baseman Matt Olson, a move that, according to sources, they discussed with the A’s before the start of the lockout. The conversations cannot be dismissed as mere due diligence. Once the free-agent market opened, the Braves faced the possible loss of Freeman, 32, at any moment.
Olson is from a suburb of Atlanta and 4 1/2 years younger than Freeman. The Steamer projections for the two players in 2022 are nearly identical. If you could draw up a perfect replacement for Freeman, Olson would pretty much be it.
Olson is coming off a solid campaign for the A's, cranking 39 home runs and hitting .271, both career-highs. He's also a decent defender and honestly brings an eerily similar skillset to the table as Freeman. But, it's no secret the Braves want to keep their veteran infielder.
Once the strike ends though, who knows what offer could come Freeman's way. Getting Olson would likely cost Atlanta some prospects, but he is basically in his prime right now. It would be an ideal replacement.
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