VENICE, Fla. – The Atlanta Braves’ trade for Matt Olson at the start of spring training was designed to ensure the reigning World Series champions will be contenders in 2022.
Following that move by signing Olson to an eight-year deal was the foundation of a plan by general manager Alex Anthopoulos to keep the franchise competitive through the decade.
As soon as it became clear the Braves and free agent Freddie Freeman – their longtime first baseman and a five-time All-Star selection – wouldn’t reach a deal, Anthopoulos shifted to a new a long-term strategy.
“That was the thought,” Anthopoulos told The Associated Press this past week, adding he believed it was crucial the contract for Olson be finalized before the introductory news conference for Atlanta’s new first baseman.
The Braves traded four prospects to the Oakland Athletics for Olson on March 14. Just one day later, the team announced the $168 million, eight-year deal that goes through 2029 – the largest contract in Braves history.
Anthopoulos said his first offer to Olson, who turns 28 on Tuesday, was for seven years and $140 million. The GM said he believed it was important to keep the annual payout at $20 million “so we could build the roster around him.”
Anthopoulos said he also believed it was crucial that Atlanta players knew this was a long-term response to the void left by the 32-year-old Freeman, who wound up signing with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers for six years and $162 million.
“We worked all day, all night, and we were motivated to have it done by the press conference,” Anthopoulos said of Olson’s contract. “If that meant we were going to give a little bit more to get it done, we thought it was important for the clubhouse, for the organization.”
For the clubhouse?
“I just think knowing that he’s here,” Anthopoulos said. “Just everyone knowing that he’s here to stay. I think it allows him to settle in a little bit more.”
Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo by Curtis Compton via AP / Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson, right, shares a laugh with shortstop Dansby Swanson as they prepare to take batting practice during a spring training workout on March 16 in North Port, Fla. The Braves traded multiple prospects to the Oakland Athletics for Olson on March 14, and a day later they announced his new contract that goes through 2029.Olson knows he will be measured by the standard set by Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP and former face of the franchise. Olson said he will not let those expectations, or the legacy left by Freeman, cast a shadow over his play.
“I think it’s a thing right from the start that you really can’t look into a lot,” Olson said. “I have nothing but respect for him. He’s a hell of a player, but I just came into the situation. I didn’t have any say in what happened before. I’m going to go out there and do what I can to help this team win. I want to come here and try to mesh with the guys, and go out and play some good baseball.”
From his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame to his left-handed swing to his modest, friendly demeanor, Olson seems to be cut from the Freeman mold.
“We know his track record,” Braves reliever Will Smith said. “We know the back of his baseball card is pretty great. Anybody that’s got a Gold Glove, as a pitcher I’m a fan of. I’m excited to have him back there.”
Olson already has shown the powerful swing and strong defense that made him an All-Star with the A’s in 2021, when he hit .271 with 39 home runs and 111 RBIs. He won Gold Gloves in 2018 and 2019.
Olson likely won’t match Freeman’s .295 career batting average, but his power bat fits nicely in Atlanta’s lineup. Olson hit second, ahead of Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna, in exhibition games Friday and Saturday after batting third in previous contests at spring training.
“It’s going to be a lineup where we can kind of get the matchups we want,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. ” It’s a pretty deep lineup.”
Anthopoulos saw a lot to like in Olson.
“His performance obviously has been very strong,” the GM said. “Everything we heard about the person and the makeup was off the charts. So an easy guy to invest in. The acquisition cost and the prospects were very expensive, and the extension was expensive, but he’s a special player and those are the guys you do it for.”
For Olson, signing with the Braves was a homecoming. He played at Parkview High School in Lilburn, an Atlanta suburb. That adds to his anticipation for the April 7 season opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park.
“I’ve been saying the stars aligned perfectly,” Olson said. “There’s so many factors that were positives here, No. 1 being a good team that won the World Series. That’s something I want to do more than anything.
“So the roster that was here and being able to be at home around family and friends, it was something I wanted to be a part of, to be a part of this winning culture and get a taste of it myself.”