Braves trade for Matt Olson, signaling end of Freddie Freeman era in Atlanta

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 The Atlanta Braves made a massive trade, signaling the end of the Freddie Freeman era.

The Braves traded for Oakland A’s All-Star first baseman Matt Olson, the team confirmed Monday afternoon. ESPN first reported the trade.

Atlanta will send top prospects outfielder Cristian Pache, catcher Shea Langeliers, and pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes to Oakland.

Channel 2′s Zach Klein broke the news of the trade to Snitker during a spring training practice media session. The trade for Olson means the Braves won’t re-sign Freddie Freeman although Snitker said he would not comment on Freeman’s future.

Freeman won the 2020 NL MVP and earned five All-Star nods over 12 seasons with Atlanta.

It’s projected that Freeman will sign with the Dodgers or Yankees, although some outlets report the Rays and Blue Jays are interested.

Meanwhile, the trade marks a homecoming for Olson. The 27-year-old grew up in metro Atlanta and graduated from Parkview High School.

Olson earned his first All-Star nod last season and finished with a .271 batting average, 111 RBI and 39 home runs. He’s under team control through 2023.

“Obviously, I know Atlanta,” Olson said Monday. “It’s an amazing place, World Series champs, my hometown. If there was one place to go and leave here, that’s the place to do it. I’m excited about it.”

 

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