*Photo from the San Francisco Chronicle*
Well, it would be hard to predict a scenario in which the Atlanta Braves begin the 2022 season without an elite level first baseman, based off these recent reports. There are reports that prior to the lockout, the Braves had talks with the Oakland Athletics regarding 1B Matt Olson, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
The talks between the Braves and Athletics appear as a contingency plan for the Braves in the event that they are unable to re-sign 1B Freddie Freeman in free agency, with Rosenthal adding that the Braves were doing more than just due dilligence regarding a trade for Olson. It certainly would be a good plan, with Olson and Freeman being at the top of the first base power rankings.
In 2021, his 5th all star game selection, Freeman posted a .300 batting average with an .896 OPS, mashing 31 home runs to go along with 83 RBI's, drawing 85 walks in 159 regular season games. He hit 5 home runs and drove in 11 runs in the Braves run to the 2021 World Series, playing in all 16 playoff games.
Olson, who's 4 years younger and is arbitration eligible for two more years, had better numbers than Freeman in 2021, despite the A's missing out on the playoffs. Olson made his first all star game by hitting .271 with a .911 OPS, racking up 39 home runs and 111 RBI's, with a elevated .540 slugging percentage in 156 regular season games.
The A's are interested in trading away a number of star players this offseason, with Olson near the top of the list, along with Matt Chapman and Frankie Montas. Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Freeman was seeking a 6 year deal around $180 million, with the Braves expressing desire to get a deal done and keep Freeman around.
If Freeman were to leave and the Braves were to make a run at Olson, they have top prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters as possible trade chips, to go along with William Contreras and Spencer Strider.
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