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- The Braves traded for 1B Matt Olsen on Monday
- Now, fans are wondering what it means for Freddie Freeman
- Read more MLB news here
The Braves made a huge offseason splash to secure their future at the first base position for years to come.
Atlanta didn’t sign the first baseman that many were expecting, though.
The Braves made a huge trade for former A’s slugger Matt Olson. Olson racked up 39 home runs last season in Oakland, the second time in three years he’s recorded 30+ long balls and at least 90 RBIs.
While adding Olson certainly bolsters the lineup, it likely means the end of an era for one Atlanta mainstay.
Atlanta has been in talks with 1B Freddie Freeman all offseason about the possibility of the star’s return to the team. Negotiations seemed to stall when the Braves wouldn’t meet the asking price that the infielder was requesting.
Freeman was instrumental in last year’s World Series run. The lefty hit an even .300, smacking 31 homers and leading the team in runs scored.
Freeman was even better in the postseason, hitting .318 in the final series to help the Braves take down the Astros. It was Atlanta’s first title since 1995.
He’s spent his entire career in Atlanta, which spans 12 seasons dating back to 2010. Freeman’s been a staple at first base for more than a decade, but the news of the Olson trade likely means his time with the Braves is over.
Social Media Speculates Freddie Freeman’s Future
The Dodgers and Yankees have been major players in the Freddie Freeman sweepstakes. Unlike Atlanta, they’ll be willing to open up the wallets to land the first baseman.
With Atlanta seemingly out of the running, fans took to social media to speculate his future.
Braves trade for Athletics' Matt Olson, per report, as Atlanta looks set to move on from Freddie Freemanhttps://t.co/jCVHBcjPd2
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) March 14, 2022
Matt Olson to the Braves means Freddie Freeman most likely to the Dodgers. I’m not going to entirely rule out the Yankees on Freeman, but I’m gonna rule out the Yankees on Freeman. LA is about to add yet another dude with an MVP on his resume to their already ridiculous lineup.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) March 14, 2022
If Freddie Freeman is moving on from Atlanta, his last swing was a home run and his last defensive play was catching the final out of the World Series clincher. That's not a bad way to go out.
— Jason Foster (@ByJasonFoster) March 14, 2022
Freddie Freeman wearing anything other than a Braves jersey is a failure on both sides
— Josh Pate (@LateKickJosh) March 14, 2022
https://twitter.com/DKSportsbook/status/1503439412667035661
Braves fans when they realize that getting Matt Olson probably cost them Freddie Freeman pic.twitter.com/80oB9fJG4j
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) March 14, 2022
There’s your Freddie Freeman answer Braves fans. https://t.co/taw169gI8V
— Heath Cline (@heathradio) March 14, 2022
Atlanta, who never wanted to go to a sixth year for Freddie Freeman in contract talks, give up their top two prospects and four of their top 14 prospects in deal for #Athletics 1B Matt Olson.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 14, 2022
Freddie Freeman’s era with the Braves is likely over. The Yankees and Dodgers have seemingly been the favorites over the past few days. But the Rays and Blue Jays have remained aggressive. There was never a sense the Braves made a strong push.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 14, 2022
Alex Anthopoulos fought back tears as he discussed the Olson trade, which he said was the toughest decision he’s had to make as a GM, and it was clear he meant the Freddie Freeman aspect of it without saying his name.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 14, 2022
Source confirms: Braves acquiring 1B Matt Olson from A’s. The Freddie Freeman Era in Atlanta appears over. First: @JeffPassan
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 14, 2022
Can’t wait for the Freddie Freeman to the Dodgers announcement. Gonna be so much fun
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) March 14, 2022
Los Angeles seems to have the best shot, here. Freeman is from the West Coast. This move would allow him to stay in the National League and play for a club that’s ready to compete for a World Series crown.
Still, it will take a while to get used to seeing Freeman play in anything other than a Braves uniform.