Matt Olson trade details: Braves send massive prospect haul for Freddie Freeman replacement

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to trade for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson. Here’s what it means for Freddie Freeman and the franchise.

Atlanta are parting ways with a franchise icon (likely) after trading for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson, who is from the state of Georgia.

Olson is an All-Star caliber first baseman, so it makes sense why Atlanta would want to trade for a younger, cheaper and perhaps more reliable long-term version of Freeman. However, don’t tell that to Braves fans, who are sure to be upset they just lost a franchise icon the offseason after winning the World Series.

Where is Matt Olson from?

Olson is from Atlanta, which makes this a homecoming of sorts. It might take Braves fans some time to get over losing Freeman, but assuming Olson contributes right away, he’ll fit right in.

It would’ve been a savvy move by general manager Alex Anthopoulos, had he not given up the entire farm to replace Freddie Freeman.

Matt Olson trade details: Replacing Freddie Freeman

Anthopoulos gave up the farm to trade for Olson, who is in his prime and a solid two-way player. Freddie Freeman will be tough to replace, however.

Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Athletics will receive OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, SP Ryan Cusick and SP Joey Estes for Olson.

Braves top prospects

The Braves top prospect rankings can be found here.

As you can see, Atlanta gave up their two top prospects in Pache and Langeliers to land Olson, who remains on an affordable contract.

Cusick is the team’s No. 6-ranked prospect, and Estes is No. 14. All four represent a rather massive loss in the Braves system.

Yet, that’s what it takes to trade for a 27-year-old first baseman in his prime.

Matt Olson contract

Olson is not an unrestricted free agent until 2024. He’s due $12 million this season.