Some of the interesting storylines to practice as soon as the MLB-imposed lockout ends is what is going to occur with Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson.
They’re two of the most efficient first basemen within the league, and each may well be to be had for different groups in several techniques.
Freeman is a loose agent, however the expectation all alongside was once that the Atlanta Braves would sooner or later re-sign him: he’s a fan favourite there, and at 32, he stays a extremely productive hitter (.300/.393/.503 slash line and 31 homers in 2021).
Olson is a member of the Oakland Athletics and has two seasons final of arbitration keep an eye on.
Alternatively, the A’s will input rebuilding mode and may just make him to be had by the use of business.
He’s an asset each offensively (.271/.371/.540, 39 house runs, 111 RBI final yr) and defensively.
Freeman Might Go away The Braves, Who Might Flip To Olson
The A’s will most probably look ahead to Freeman to signal someplace: Atlanta is, consistent with a contemporary record, having a look much less and no more most probably via the day.
That leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees as two possible touchdown spots.
If Freeman finally ends up signing somewhere else, the Braves may just choose to exchange him…with Olson, in keeping with reporter Joe Hughes.
If Freeman leaves, the Braves develop into a imaginable touchdown spot for Matt Olson after the lockout. #Athletics https://t.co/h9PKkB11py
— Joe Hughes (@VegasJoeHughes) February 22, 2022
Atlanta has a number of engaging, controllable buying and selling chips that can lure Oakland in any deal: pitchers Kyle Muller, Tucker Davidson, Kyle Wright, or even Huascar Ynoa may just hobby the A’s, to not point out outfielder Cristian Pache.
Olson could be a captivating goal for the Braves as a result of it might most effective be a two-year dedication with Olson, who might be 28 when the season begins, as an alternative of a 5 or six-year pact with Freeman, who’s already 32.
They love Freeman, however they’re terrified of paying some huge cash for what may well be essentially the most unproductive seasons of his occupation.
Handiest time will inform how the items have compatibility and the place.