3 moves Braves can make if forced to replace Freddie Freeman

1. Trade for local product Matt Olson in a deal with rebuilding Oakland Athletics

Without question, the most talked about theoretical corresponding move the Braves could make if Freeman leaves in his free agency is to assemble a robust trade package to bring local product Matt Olson home from the Oakland Athletics. With the A’s rebuilding, it might be time for Oakland to sell high on its star first baseman. The former Parkview standout may thrive playing back home.

Olson is five years behind Freeman in his big league career, as he was drafted out of high school in 2012. He opted to sign with the A’s instead of playing for southeastern college baseball power Vanderbilt. Given that Olson still makes Atlanta his home in the offseason, he would fit right in with the Braves. He would be the latest former Atlanta area high school product to star for them.

If Atlanta is unable to come to an agreement with Freeman in his free agency, trading for Olson is the only logical move. It would be seemingly the only realistic way ownership can sell to Braves Country that they are indeed serious about winning multiple championships without paying their franchise cornerstone what he is worth on the open market. It is the only other option they have.

If Freeman wants to go back to Southern California, then by all means, trade for a guy who would love the opportunity to play in front of Braves Country 81 times a year.