Matt Olson trade rumors: Braves remain very much involved

The Atlanta Braves have Matt Olson as their fallback option in case Freddie Freeman signs elsewhere in free agency.

With the MLB lockout officially over, there is going to be a mad dash for free agent players with spring training beginning imminently and Opening Day taking place on Apr. 7. One of the top players on the open market is first baseman Freddie Freeman. While the Atlanta Braves are interested in re-signing him, they have some huge competition in the form of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

What are the Braves to do if Freeman signs elsewhere?

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Braves have been in contact with the Oakland Athletics for Matt Olson in case they are unable to bring Freeman back.

Braves eying Matt Olson in case Freddie Freeman signs elsewhere

Atlanta’s link to Olson is not new, as there were previous reports saying that the team was keeping an eye on the first baseman. After all, Olson did grow up near Atlanta. But, the Braves will have a variety of teams competing with them for his services.

Olson won’t necessarily come cheap either. He is under team control for the 2022 and 2023 seasons before he is due for a new contract. Spotrac projects his market value to sit at $22.7 million annual salary.

Last season, Olson slashed .271/.371/.540 while recording 39 home runs, 111 RBI and 153 hits through 156 games.

As Morosi notes, Freeman is expected to sign before fellow big-name free agent Carlos Correa. We shall see if the Braves were successfully able to re-sign their longtime first baseman, or if they will have to call the Athletics to secure a trade for Olson.