Braves already have Freddie Freeman replacement in mind, just in case
By Thomas Erbe
Braves check in on alternative if Freddie Freeman leaves. Yet, it’s not enough to make Atlanta fans happy.
The Atlanta Braves have been relatively quiet in free agency, but they are starting to take a look at alternative options at first base just in case they are unable to re-sign Freddie Freeman to a long-term deal. The reports are they have been in contact with the Oakland A’s about Matt Olson.
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
Olson is five years younger than Freeman and could potentially be a good value comp for the Braves. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner and a former All-Star in six years of service in Major League Baseball. He’s known for his power with 142 home runs and a slug of .511. If the Braves are looking for cheaper than Freeman but a smaller drop-off in production, Olson would be a prime target.
Braves: Freddie Freeman headed elsewhere?
The Braves and Freeman have been talking about an extension for some time now, but nothing has come of it. He has been public about wanting to stay in Atlanta for his whole career, but wants to be paid what he believes is fair and deserving. Liberty Media owns the Atlanta Braves, and would definitely be labeled as a “profit first” ownership group, despite the recent successes of the World Champion ball club. Being public with their interest in Olson could be a play to lower Freeman’s asking price, but they could also legitimately be preparing to move on.
Freeman’s market seems to be heating up. The New York Yankees have been mentioned as an interested team, but reports are numbers are matching that of the Braves, and Freeman would want more than that to head to the Bronx. After missing out on re-signing Corey Seager, the Los Angeles Dodgers could be suitors for Freeman, and appear to be ready to back up a Brinks truck for him. It’s worth noting that both Freeman and his wife are from Southern California and may want to return home.
It’s likely a Freeman deal would come after the new CBA is sorted out, but time will tell if he and the Braves can organize a happy resolution.
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