When — or whether — the Braves will re-sign Freddie Freeman has been one of the most pressing issues on the minds of the Atlanta fan base for the better part of a year, but the 2020 NL MVP entered the current MLB lockout as a free agent with no real indication of progress toward a return to Truist Park on the horizon. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal writes this morning that there’s obvious incentive for either Freeman or the Braves to act quickly, one way or another, once the lockout finally ends. Most notably, Rosenthal reports that the Braves indeed spoke to the A’s about a potential Matt Olson deal prior to the lockout (as had been previously suggested), adding that the talks should not be written off as simple due diligence.
An early strike by the Braves to acquire Olson would register as nothing short of a stunner. The longstanding belief has been that despite the ostensible lack of traction in talks, Freeman will eventually reach a deal to return to the same team for which he’s played the first dozen seasons of a potential Hall-of-Fame career. It’s been even more widely expected that the A’s will trade Olson, particularly in the wake of comments from GM David Forst that the team will listen to offers on all of its top players (in preparation for a payroll reduction). However, Freeman’s legacy in Atlanta has made the Braves feel like a long shot, at best.
The 27-year-old Olson (28 in March) has been most prominently linked to the Yankees thus far in the offseason, though a good portion of the ink dedicated to that fit has been speculative in nature. The Rangers are among the other clubs to have been tied to Olson on the heels of a career year in Oakland.
Olson, the No. 47 overall draft pick back in 2012, dramatically reduced his strikeout rate this past season without conceding anything in terms of power or walk rate. He’d fanned in 26.1% of his career plate appearances heading into 2021, including a career-worst 31.4% clip in 2020, but slashed that mark to 16.8% this past season. Meanwhile, he walked at a 13.1% clip and slugged a career-best 39 home runs and 35 doubles — all while playing standout defense at first base. He’s controlled for another two seasons before free agency and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $12MM this coming year in the first of those two campaigns.
If the Braves were to make the unpopular decision to move on from Freeman, Olson would represent the best option — at least among plausibly available targets in free agency and on the trade market. Alternatives such as free agent Anthony Rizzo or trade candidate Luke Voit would be less impactful. That said, the $12MM projection on Olson’s 2021 salary is more than twice as much as this past season’s $5MM salary, and he’d be in line for a similarly massive raise for the 2023 campaign before hitting free agency in arguably an even better position than Freeman currently occupies.
While Freeman, of course, has the lengthier track record, Olson stands to reach the open market in advance of his age-30 season. Freeman will play the bulk of the upcoming season at 32 before turning 33 in September. Should Olson continue at his 2021 pace — or anything close to it — he could viably seek a contract of even greater length and/or greater total value than Freeman is currently seeking; an extension for Olson wouldn’t figure to be much cheaper, given his blend of youth, recent track record and relative proximity to the open market.
Also vital to consider is the enormous asking price that’s sure to be placed on Olson. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweeted a couple months back that the Athletics were “shooting for the moon” in any talks regarding Olson — understandably so. It’s increasingly rare in MLB to see a player of this caliber, with this much club control remaining, actually change hands on the trade market. Using FanGraphs’ wins above replacement as a loose barometer, Olson would be the third-best player (based on 2019-21 WAR) with multiple years of control remaining to be traded over the past three years. One of the two names ahead of him, Nolan Arenado, isn’t really a comparable given that he’d already been signed to a massive extension that impacted the nature of trade talks between the Rockies and Cardinals.
The other name ahead of Olson in those WAR rankings is perhaps the best and most direct recent comparable: Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto. The Phils surrendered one of baseball’s 15 best overall prospects (Sixto Sanchez), plus an immediate MLB-ready replacement (Jorge Alfaro, who’d recently ranked as a top prospect himself) and a solid mid-tier organizational arm in lefty Will Stewart. Starling Marte was traded from Pittsburgh to Arizona when he had two years remaining on his contract, netting the Bucs now-top-100 prospect Liover Peguero and pitching prospect Brennan Malone. However, Marte was 31 at the time of that trade and wasn’t coming off nearly as strong a season as Olson’s 2021 showing.
Simply put, a package to acquire Olson should considerably outpace what the Bucs received for Marte, and he arguably ought to fetch more than Realmuto did. That’s not to suggest that an Olson package would be a direct, apples-to-apples comparison with the Realmuto swap — but rather to illustrate the sizable value that a player of this caliber carries when he has multiple years of control remaining. Certainly, the packages would differ. For instance, Atlanta doesn’t have a prospect who’s currently as well-regarded as Sanchez was at the time that deal. The A’s could well have different priorities than the Marlins did, too; they’d surely require a premium headliner but have also been known to pursue volume-based approaches of MLB-ready talent rather than packages strictly composed of far-off, but high-upside minor leaguers. (See their return packages for Josh Donaldson, Jeff Samardzija, Sonny Gray, Rich Hill/Josh Reddick, Ryan Madson/Sean Doolittle and more.)
If the Braves’ primary trepidation regarding a Freeman deal is the length of the contract, as has been oft-suggested, then an Olson acquisition may only be a slightly more palatable road to traverse — unless the front office is content to ship out heaps of young talent in exchange for a two-year rental and a subsequent draft pick (if the qualifying offer system even remains in place following the collective bargaining talks). Broadly speaking, the sorts of contracts currently being sought by Freeman and likely to be sought by Olson in the near future are the very types that Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has eschewed since being hired in Nov. 2017.
While the Braves slightly broke from their aversion to long-term commitments in last winter’s ill-fated re-signing of Marcell Ozuna (four years, $65MM), even that contract only materialized after Ozuna was unable to secure the fifth year he originally sought. Outside of that four-year pact, the Braves have shown a strong preference for shorter-term deals, often at premium annual values — a similar philosophy to that of the Dodgers, where Anthopoulos served as senior vice president of baseball ops prior to being hired in Atlanta. Will Smith’s three-year, $39MM deal is the next-largest free agent deal given out under Anthopoulos in Atlanta. The only times he’s gone to five years or more have been on wildly team-friendly deals for young stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies.
Whether the Braves are willing to break that mold for Freeman can’t be known, but it’s nevertheless notable that they’ve had talks with the A’s about a potential replacement. It’s perhaps even more telling that, as Rosenthal suggests, either Freeman or the Braves could move quickly in a new direction post-lockout after spending the past 12 months in a staring contest.
DarkSide830
more smoke…
pogo
What’s he supposed to do..? Give you news?
bravesfan
Just be happy they are able to develop news worthy enough articles during this lockout
Rsox
Braves have the farm system to get something done but i do think this was mostly to bring Freeman’s demands down
48-team MLB
Whatever gets Atlanta another championship…
RunDMC
Not so fast — Olson, even if compared or more than Freeman would represent more value since he’s significantly younger than Freeman. Olson is seeking a rare 8-10-year deal (for a 1B) when going to FA, he’d still be worth the asking price if Braves want to thin out the farm and know what prospects they want to roll the dice on (i.e. Michael Harris > Pache/Waters; Langeliers > William Contreras, etc.).
Mad Hatter
Where do you get this information on a $1B contract? Source please. Never going to happen, especially for a first baseman.
RunDMC
I believe I left out “if”, being “If Olson is seeking a rare 8-10-year deal (for a 1B)…” – the reason I reminded he’s a 1B is why he most likely wouldn’t get that asking price. Though if you scroll down in separate conversations you’ll see some that believe he will be asking for 8-10 year deals, which I also objected to.
bravesfan
A $1B contract is outrageous, but there will be a day this happens. That said, mad hatter… it seems you are misreading DMC’s post. 1B as I’m first base, not 1 billion
RamMac14
He said a contract FOR a 1st baseman not 1 billion. Read again
deweybelongsinthehall
Absolutely. if DD were still running the Sox (with the farm rebuilt by Bloom), he’d be all over Olsen. I don’t know what the Phillies have still in their system but my first thought remains the Yankees with the Phillies next. Olsen is that good and would hit a ton in either park.
1fifth2fifthRed5thBlue5th
Ronald Acuña Jr.. Does the ñ not work if the name is hyperlinked?
Steve Nebraska
I have a $100 bill to bet on the Braves trading for Olson if they don’t re-sign Freeman. Any takers? I think it’s certain the Braves will win the Olson bidding if they lose the Freeman bidding. I don’t think they have any replacement first baseman in the system to replace Freddie. They will have the biggest need in the league for Olson and I think they have enough good prospects to acquire him.
1fifth2fifthRed5thBlue5th
They have the pieces to do so – 1 of Pache/Waters/Harris and Shea Langeliers
Is it the best use of resources? Idk
Signing Rizzo or Kyle Schwarber to man 1st (no QOs) seems more doable and trading from your outfield/catcher surplus to add pitching seems the way to go.
Bring back Rosario, Acuña is back, they have Duvall so the OF is probably which could make Pache/Waters/Harris available.
Dark Horse idea would be ask the White Sox about 1 of Andrew Vaughn, Jose Abreu, Gavin Sheets
AlienBob
Olson will cost the Braves all four of those prospects, not one.
1fifth2fifthRed5thBlue5th
Same dude that wanted Cj Abrams for taking on 1 year of Wil Myers. You’re probably not the best at gauging trade value. Love your shooting for the stars approach though.. Dream as big as you want. Dont stop believin. Hold on to that feelin.
JAMES JACOBSEN
This is the perfect reason why NOT to trade for Olsen, It would be much better to pay Freddie or get Rizzo or Schwarber.
seamaholic 2
Pache can’t hit in the majors. Waters couldn’t even slug 400 in AAA. Harris is far away and so far looking like a 2B-only prospect, or maybe a 2B-or-CF guy whose main tool is speed. Langeliers is a legit excellent prospect. Yeah, you’re looking at 3 of those 4 at least (assuming one is Langeliers).
Justin Bobko
Pretty sure they’re all top 100 prospects. No team is giving up that much. Oakland might say they’re shooting for the stars but they’re not paying 30 mil to Olsen over two seasons to finish behind the astros and Mariners. I also appreciate that you’ve determined conclusively that pache can’t hit in the majors based on like 50 age 22 at bats. Definitely don’t mention that he’s probably worth 1-2 WAR right now on his defense alone
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Blue 5th:
More like Harris plus Waters plus Muller plus Wright.
I see the Braves and Dodgers are teams most likely to bid strong for Olson.
Mystery Team
Pache doesn’t carry the prospect weight he once did now that the entire league has witnessed his soft bat. In fact I’m not so sure about Atlanta’s prospects as a whole. There are definitely some good pieces but a trade for Olson would thin them out drastically.
PutPeteinthehall
Sheets or Vaughn might be available for the right price. Neither really has a position on the team. Abreu is probably untouchable.
Rizzo probably better first baseman than Schwarber for short term fix.
48-team MLB
Atlanta needs more than one championship this time around. I see Braves over White Sox in the near future.
Fire Krall
If you want a 1B over paid and a few years left b4 overpaid is a reality. you can always trade for Votto or Hosmer now!
UpUpnHeaHea
Votto has a full no trade clause.
Rsox
In Hosmer’s defense, he only has one expensive year left and then his salary drops fairly significantly for the remainder of his contract
YankeesBleacherCreature
Hey, you’re back! I’ll give you 2-to-1 odds (and delete my acct.) that the Braves don’t get him if Freeman walks. I see them getting Rizzo.
deweybelongsinthehall
I don’t see the Braves giving up all that talent capital when the odds of them re-signing him are fae worse than the Yankees or Dodgers becoming the first $300m payroll team.
YankeesBleacherCreature
The Mets’ may get there first in ’23 with a third “ace” if they get deep into the ’22 playoffs. The Braves are still good enough without Freeman/Olson to get into an inevitable (and personally undesirable) expanded playoffs.
Bruin1012
I honestly don’t see Atlanta and the A’s matching up in trade needs.
Atlanta does have Langliers but Oakland already has a young excellent catcher in Murphy so I don’t see them trading for Langliers. They may be interested in Pache but it’s going to take a lot more then Pache. I think the Yankees match up much better then the Braves and would win in a needs based prospect contest for a trade with the A’s. This of course would change if the Braves were willing to trade someone from there starters or rotation to secure Olson but doubt they want to do that.
RunDMC
Agreed, kind of, OAK also has C Tyler Soderstrom at A-ball, who some claim is their top prospect. That makes them aligning with a secondary C piece for depth like Contreras more than a primary piece like Langeliers, so they can focus on high-ceiling prospects like Pache and/or Waters and pitching: Muller/Strider. Not saying that they’re untouchable, but I get that ATL has a special place in their hearts for Michael Harris, Shea Langeliers, Elder/Strider, while some others may have higher prospect stock (i.e. Muller, Pache), they also seem to have a higher-ceiling and more questions that might attract a rebuilding OAK squad.
Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.
@RunDMC: I think your package is the most likely if Atlanta does trade for Olson. Oakland usually goes after high quantity deals. They could go after a group of something like Contreras, Wright,and one or both of Waters and/or Pache. Maybe throw in one or two of the Mueller, Davidson, Strider, Elder group. The Atlanta could always sweeten the pot by throwing in some guys like Toussaint, Newcomb or Shewmake. It don’t think Langeliers even has to be in the deal. Atlanta has so many solid pitching prospects that the deal could be based around pitching and an outfielder or Contreras. There are so many ways that trade could be put together with Atlanta keeping Langeliers and several other highly regarded OF and pitching prospects.
If Freeman doesn’t stay in Atlanta I think the Braves will be far more motivated to get Olson than the Yankees. The Yankees at least have Voit on the roster and are already comfortable with Rizzo. Atlanta was already shallow at first base in the farm system and then they traded both of their top 2 first base prospects at the trade deadline to get guys like Joc Pederson, Richard Rodriguez and Jorge Soler. So at this point the Braves will really have nothing at first base without Freeman. My guess is the Yankees will be more willing to go with Voit than the Braves will be willing to go with their farm system. One of the 2 could always sign Rizzo but I think the Yankees are more likely to do that since they already had him once. Plus, if Freeman leaves it might be because he ends up going to the Yankees. I don’t really see the Braves being super interested in Rizzo unless he signs for a steal. Something like a 2-yearndeal for less than $40 million. Not to mention replacing Freeman with Rizzo is a clear loss for the lineup. The Braves could tell their fan base Olson is arguably just as good as Freeman but younger and cheaper.
I don’t think it really matters because I’m guessing Freeman settles for a 5 year deal from the Braves but if he doesn’t I think Olson gets traded to Atlanta and Langeliers isn’t part of the deal. It would be based more around pitching and maybe Contreras and/or outfielder(s).
RunDMC
Agreed, but remember they have Ron Washington on-staff. If AA hasn’t at least entertained the idea of pulling Wash as his wing-man to go to some free agent’s house to convince them to play 1B for them, then AA isn’t living right.
bravesiowafan
@hammer I think that adding touki/ynoa sweetens the pot for sure. I think shea langeliers is untouchable personally.
bravesiowafan
@rundmc I’m almost wondering if they could put Nelson Cruz at 1b since we have wash, save the prospects and maybe sign an outfielder with the money saved from Freddie. Fits AA mo
HalosHeavenJJ
Braves vs. the field is a strong bet. But I think you’re right.
I think they have a value on Freeman that they don’t want to cross. If he signs, great. If not, they likely know the current value of Olsen and are comfortable paying it.
Ducky Buckin Fent
I absolutely hear what you’re saying, @Nebraska.
But: I will take the field on principle.
RobM
I don’t see the Braves paying the cost in prospects when all they have to do is keep their own 1B’man. The two sides will figure it out.
LordD99
The cost in talent to acquire Olson, coupled with the money to both pay and extend Olson, should immediately convince the Braves that signing Freeman is the most cost-effective approach.
48-team MLB
The Braves don’t have to extend Olson. If they win a championship with him here then it’s worth the prospects and they can let him walk if they want to.
nukeg
Then they’re in the same boat next year. You still have to sign a talented 1B and if they let MO walk, that means both FF and MO would be off the boards. AND your prospects are gone.
Deleted_User
@nukeg It’s been said before. If you want a 1B who you control for more than 2 years then just let someone else waste prospects on Matt Olson.
Deleted_User
@48-team MLB Winning or not winning a championship has no bearing on the need to keep Olson. Your argument is the sunk cost fallacy on display.
stymeedone
Freeman is currently at an impass because he is asking for more than the team that would value him most is willing to pay. Olson may ask for more when he becomes a FA in 2 years, but just like FF, he plays 1B, and if he over shoots, he may not get it, either. Take the two prime years from Olson and let someone else pay for the fading years.
deweybelongsinthehall
Would rather keep the talent capital if I were Atlanta. They have the young nucleus to contend far beyond the next two seasons. By the way, once the lockout ends, my guess is Freeman is re-signed within seven days.
RunDMC
Olson was better in 2021 in a pitcher’s park than Freeman was in a hitter’s park. Take out the sentiment, Olson is on an upward trajectory at 27-28 while Freeman has hit his peak and on a downward trajectory at 32. IF they let Freeman walk, they’ll get a compensatory pick that makes up for one of the numerous picks ATL has to use. NOT pulling the trigger the last couple of years, AA has the ammunition to make a big strike that could save ATL some money in 2 WS-contending years (of having Olson), then spending it on possibly a larger deal than what FF wants on a ATL kid (Olson) that will be 29-30 rather than 32 at the start of the contract.
deweybelongsinthehall
Except Olsen will be looking for an eight to ten year deal which negates some of your argument
48-team MLB
The Braves aren’t required to re-sign Olson. This would be similar to the Texeira trade but with one major difference. The 2007 Braves were not close to winning a World Series. The 2022 Braves are trying to defend a title.
RunDMC
Not really, 2 years of WS-contending teams with about 40-60% savings per year on Freeman’s AAV during that time and similar, possibly better production. They could turn around and use that on a creative deal that could bring back a solid COF or more (Story?)
Olson looking for a 8-10-year deal at 29-30 — yeah, does he not know how those deals have looked (Votto, Hosmer)? FYI: Olson’s agency (Jet Sports Mgmt) has Buxton has a client who recently did that creative $100M deal — along with many (former) Braves, including: Morton, Brian McCann, Venters. It seems like a contract demand of that size/length would be out-of-character for that agency, but who knows?
Appalachian_Outlaw
I won’t say it has nothing to do with sentiment, but not signing Freeman and trading for Olson would be a mistake. You’re giving up prospect capital in an already thin farm system, which all comes at a cost to replace. One comp pick doesn’t do it, I’m sorry.
48-team MLB
@Appalachian_Outlaw
The goal is to win the World Series. If they trade for Olson and win at least one World Series over the next two years then it’s worth the prospects even if he walks. The reason why the Teixeira trade is viewed so negatively is because the 2007 Braves weren’t close to winning a championship. This team just won a championship and they have the pieces to win another.
Appalachian_Outlaw
If they ink Freeman, keep all of the prospects and win one more WS, aren’t they in a better spot? The argument for trading for Olson seems to be what if Freeman declines. Well, so what if they take it on the chin in the last year or two? Flags fly forever, right? I just don’t understand the argument for trading prospects when for at least the next two years Freeman is the better player and the homegrown guy.
RunDMC
Let’s get one thing straight — they’re not going to trade for Olson until Freeman says no. If there’s a possibility and they think they can find a compromise, they’ll re-sign Freeman, so it’s not Freeman or Olson. If it’s no Freeman then the best alternative is Olson, which would require quite a bit that ATL has been saving for. That being said, their ceiling offer to Freeman is not contingent on their confidence to pay a king’s ransom to Billy Beane. AA is not [Indians GM] Mark Shapiro in Moneyball.
That being said, they’re only prospects and Pache/Waters have already had their prospect status take a massive tumble. Another year of that roster indifference and they could easily be secondary pieces in a trade (if at all).
Deleted_User
Trading for Olson and signing him aren’t a package deal. And you certainly shouldn’t give up more prospects than you think 2 years of him is worth.
preauto
Just sign Freeman and Olson goes to the Rangers…everyone happy.
HBan22
I don’t see the A’s trading Olson to a team
in their division unless they got an absurd offer.
RunDMC
Soda in the clubhouse, perhaps?
deweybelongsinthehall
Soda for fans aka the NFL Giants? lol (most stupid team gift ever to season ticketholders.
nukeg
Dewey it was a Moneyball reference. And a good one. Brad Pitt would approve.
Hello, Newman
Is it just me, the whole stigma of inner division trading is ridiculous? I think it brings a unique element of rivalry and excitement in the game. Why cut almost 25% of opportunity? Idk, maybe just me.
RunDMC
Absolutely, OAK can’t be choosers when they’ve been an open book this offseason about their stars being for sale. With their rivals (TEX) spending a half a billion dollars this offseason, they’d be silly to not listen to Jon Daniels/Chris Young talk about the weather, let alone entertaining an offer.
nukeg
Trading in your division is like living on the same street as your ex-wife.
Deleted_User
Why not trade him to a team in their division? The A’s aren’t going to contend in 2022 or 2023, the division rival will lose Olson after 2023 and they then have to face their former prospects on the A’s for potentially all of the 2020’s decade.
ajrodz1335
How hard is it to pay Freddie?
Scott Kliesen
It’s not the money, it’s the likelihood his performance substantially drops off long before the contract concludes.
Smart teams don’t pay premium prices for diminishing production.
Tomahawk Takeover
There are no signs of diminishing production though. With his approach and swing, he’s likely still a very effective player through at least 3 yrs and probably 4. That’s why you front load the contract the first 3 yrs that way the cost is more easy to absorb if/when the decline comes.
HalosHeavenJJ
Your comment made me take a look at his baseballsavant page. You are right, pretty consistent to this point.
However, his barrel percentage and walk rate were both below career averages last year, although very slightly.
At some point the decline comes. Questions are when and how steep. I like your front loading idea.
Tomahawk Takeover
The decline is for sure inevitable but even if his decline is to the Chipper level or slightly worse, his last couple of seasons of a 5 or 6 yr deal is an easy pill to swallow.
bravesiowafan
Not if it financially handcuffs the team. The Braves can only afford so many high priced players.
Appalachian_Outlaw
The Braves aren’t poor. Acuna and Albies are signed to extremely team friendly long term deals. Morton plays what, another year or two? Where is the handcuff?
Cosmo2
Diminishing production often doesn’t announce itself with signs. Often when players decline, it’s sudden and quick.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
If they can rest him by playing him at DH 40-50 games annually, he may last longer.
nukeg
Fans are missing the fact that Atlanta has a vested interest in seeing if the NL adopts the DH. FF is a much easier sign if Atlanta can move him to DH down the road. If the NL does adopt the DH, FF signs with ATL within a week (IMO).
Deleted Userr
@nukeg But that also means the other NL teams will be willing to offer him more
nukeg
Yep, I agree. I think all of the interested NL teams were waiting for the lockout discussions to decide to pull the trigger here. MLBTR liked to float stories about why Freddie and ATL hadn’t signed yet, but I think everyone knew the DH is a huge factor.
That being said, I think ATL comes out of top of the NL teams to land their big fish.
Cosmo2
Why do we think Freeman would need to move to DH? Plenty of guys play first base til the end of their careers.
rangers13
Although I would love Olson on the Rangers, the most likely trade between Texas and Oakland would revolve around, Montas, Bassit, or Manaea.
eyeball710
I would be reluctant to view a trade for Chapman as anything more than a 2 year rental for premium prospects. If Freeman leaves and the Braves do trade for Chapman, he would have to put up huge numbers, and the Braves wild need at least one more WS in the next two years. If that happens, maybe ownership changes their view on a large contract for Chapman, but doubtful.
coolhandneil
Do you mean Olson?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I think he meant Olson not Chapman. No one is talking about moving Riley to 1B right now.
stevecohenMVP
Braves have a third baseman. Read the article. It’s about Olson. Jesus
sox4ever
I think there’s more than just smoke here. The Braves don’t want to pay Freeman, simple as that. They got a ring with him and can now say “we tried to resign him but it didn’t workout, we wish Freddie the best” and move on to a younger 1B. Olson is a great fit here and should be the priority for any team looking for a 1B
JoeBrady
Propaganda, imo. I doubt that the Braves are going to make a move unless they are nearly certain that Freeman cannot be re-signed. More than likely the conversation was generic simply asking ‘if worse comes to worst, what are you looking for for Olson?’.
Probably half the teams in BB have had that conversation with the A’s.
Jimbob 57
If we don’t resign Freddie, sign Rizzo for 1yr and trade for Dalbec do not need Olsen
YankeesBleacherCreature
Rizzo isn’t going to sign for one year.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
He might and you guys may be the beneficiary.
Scott Kliesen
I think this is all about convincing Freeman to sign a 4-year deal, rather than the 5 year deal he wants.
It’s a game of chicken and Braves want Freddie to blink.
stevecohenMVP
Freeman wants 6 years
MLB Top 100 Commenter
And he will get it from someone.
bravesnation nc
Due diligence on Olson. AA and Liberty Media just need to pay Freeman. With DH in NL he can age fairly well. Don’t give me the Pujols comps either, they are different style players. Heck Chipper won a Batting title in his latter years. Freeman will still be productive more so than having hope Olson can maintain his level after the 2021 season.
Tomahawk Takeover
Plus, Pujols was like 5 yrs older than he claimed to be. We know Freeman’s age is correct.
PutPeteinthehall
What’s Chipper winning a batting title in his later playing years have to do with Freeman?
Inside Out
Looks like the Braves leaking to Rosenthal again to try and scare Freeman. Hopefully he calls their bluff and signs with Yankees or Red Sox
bravesiowafan
Braves don’t leak. Nice try tho
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Every team has occasional “leaks” to media. AA less than most though.
SoCalBrave
Most likely the A’s leaking info and overestimating ATL interest in Olson.
angt222
Olson is a native of Atlanta.
windmill_noise_causes_cancer
Big if true.
stymeedone
@fffbbb
Problem is that neither Boston or NYY have an extra $200mm for a 1B.
Rsox
And i don’t see Bloom ever signing anyone to a contract that big
brucenewton
Braves trade their top prospects for Olson. Freeman signs with the hometown Dodgers.
Datashark
I see Angels or Giants making that run.
Jared can always move to OF (another GA product)
Datashark
with Olson you get less consistency and lowered AVG but gain 4 years in age for lower cost.
This is rather intriguing because am sure Freeman will be looking for length and big dollars at 31.
It might be wise to buy now on Olson and use funds on other areas of need. The drop off from Freeman to Olson might not be very wide considering the costs.
The Fans may be upset but if Olson can hit with power like he has they will be ok with it knowing they got another player to use the money for too.
Braves would be wise to sell early than too late
SoCalBrave
Except “buying” Olson would be too expensive. Not only would you be losing Freeman. but also Langaliers and Wright or Muller plus maybe one of Pache, Waters, Harris.
It’s too much.
RunDMC
If they’re trading for Olson — Freeman is already lost. It’s not Olson or Freeman. It’s Olson, no Freeman. Now, they have enough presumably to deal not including Langeliers, whom OAK already has one good, controllable C (Sean Murphy) producing, not including their top prospect (C Tyler Soderstrom), so why would they demand Langeliers? We don’t need Pache/Waters & Harris all. Wright or Muller are expendable and though they have potential, their backend rotation production can be easily replaced from a vet in the short-term and long-term Elder/Strider may have already past them internally. Not including losing Freeman could replace one of the prospects with a comp pick that would give us more depth at the lower levels, where we need it. Use the payroll savings elsewhere (COF, backend starter, SS?)
Cohens_Wallet
Doesn’t matter if it’s Freeman or Olson, either or keeps them WS contenders for at the very least 2 more years.
duffys cliff
The prospect of replacing Freeman with Olson is interesting. If the Braves truly feel they have what they need to seriously pose a threat for the next two seasons, its a wise move. It will deplete the farm a bit, but you’re getting 2 years of control for pennies on the dollars comparing Olson to Freeman, for the same output. That’s the catch though: will Olson continue to put up numbers like he did in 2021, or will that be his peak? Regardless, it may be better to pull this move and spread the money saved from not spending on Freeman, elsewhere around the diamond.
All this being said…replacing a franchise icon is tough. And I don’t know if the Braves really want to do that. As others have said, this may be just smoke. But the prospect of this situation is intriguing and makes for a great debate.
mlbnyyfan
The Yankees are not signing Freeman and I would be shocked if the Yankees pull off a Olson trade. IMO the Yankees bring back Rizzo on a 3 year deal.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Agree Yankees bring back Rizzo, but it might only be a one or two year deal.
lumber and lighting
If you don’t spend money to improve .Then prospects is all that’s left of values Olsen is a stud .Beautiful natural stroke.He’s a clutch run producer.As will land top prospects for a talent like his.This yr the As want to restock the cupboard.
Cohn Joppolella
He really does have a sweet stroke.
Omarj
I think Freeman was looking for 6yr 200m. Team wants for he wants 6. Cut the # in-between and you’re around 5yr 150m. I think 6 yr 170m gets it done, with year 6 has some guaranteed money attached if he’s cut. He’ll perform okay for 2 years but I expect him to be in 20 homers 80 RBI years 3 and 4. leaving year 5 as an overpay and year 6 as a thank you for your service
bravesiowafan
6th year isn’t worth it. The baseline for how 1bmen age is pretty clear.
lumber and lighting
Word is Chapman and Olson might be coming to LA.Conversations started last yrs trade deadline.Chapmans value is compromised big time because he didn’t return the same player after hip surgery.I know Chapmans makeup and I think he’s an unbelievable glove.But he’s 275/30/90 healthy.If he comes back he’s a MVP candidate like Olson.So getting em both would be huge for any franchise imo.I love Chapmans game
Rsox
The Dodgers do not have the farm system to give up the massive prospect haul that would take
SportsFan0000
It would take something like 6+ top promising prospects+ some young, producing major league players like Gavin Lux and others to get both Olson
AND Chapman. i Dunno if the Dodgers farm is still that deep since Dodgers have made many deals over the last few years including Mookie Betts.
slowcurve
Lifetime Braves fan. Love Freddie’s consistency, but don’t want to go over 4 years for him. He also sort of strikes me as phony a little bit. Says all the right things. Squeaky clean. Maybe that’s just me. I like players with a little more grit. So if it’s Olson, I’d be good with that. Plus Freeman needs more money to keep paying for his wife’s face filler. Perfect match for LA.
bravesiowafan
Yeah I’m over Freddie. Trying to play I’ll be like chipper and take a discount card. Bunch of phony crap why even say it
MLB Top 100 Commenter
You must love Marcell Ozuna and Guillermo Heredia
slowcurve
I love Martin Prado and Terry Pendleton.
Rsox
Terry Pendleton and Andre Dawson looked so strange in Marlins uniforms in 1995…
Appalachian_Outlaw
You’re both kidding, right? For crying out loud, it’s not insane for a former league MVP and franchise icon to want to be paid as such. It’s both hilarious and sad how some fans can be like: “Love you, you’re great! Would you mind taking half your worth?”
stymeedone
No one is saying he should take less than he’s worth. We are saying that just because he thinks he’s worth that much, the market doesn’t have to agree. If he only gets $25mm per for 4 years (I think he’ll get more than that) I don’t think anyone should lose sleep over it.
RunDMC
Market has changed to avoid paying premium for a position that can be filled for much less. I understand he could expect more than Goldy’s 5/135M since Freeman made it to FA, has won a WS & could be paid some extra for his loyalty (the team could easily profit from in marketing $), but IF he’s asking for 6/200M or anywhere near that…next! Too many fans have this blank check mentality and want to pay Freeman as thanks, while their job is dependent on what Freeman does in Year 5 and 6 and beyond, like AA’s is.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Curve:
No class for you to make Freeman’s salary into a joke about his wife’s plastic surgeries. She is his spouse not his chattel.
I don’t get the whole wives and girlfriends of athletes thing. The players are wealthy and in good shape so they tend to get spouses who are thin. What else is new?
Pads Fans
To the Padres along with Manaea, Piscotty, and a minor league relief arm like Peluse for Abrams, Weathers, Nola, Knehr/Lawson, Hosmer, and $30-$34 million.
A’s gain a top 5 prospect, a former top of the 1st round draft pick that is MLB ready and still just 22, a good hitter in Nola that can catch or play other positions, a mid-tier prospect (#9/#11 in Padres system in 2021) that is MLB ready, and veteran 1B in Hosmer.
They also get $20-24 million in salary relief over the next two seasons.
Olson $12+20 MM, Manaea $10.2 MM, Piscotty $7.58+1 MM = $50 million
For 4 guys at or near MLB minimum and $30 ($7.5 MM per season over the next 4) for Hosmer.
The Padres get 2 years of an All Star 1B, 1 year of Manaea, a useless OF that costs $8.58 million over the next two seasons, and a hard throwing lower tier RH relief pitching prospect.
jimthegoat
Trading players who are worth their contracts isn’t “salary relief.” Of the players the A’s would be giving up here, all but Piscotty are pretty easily worth what they are making.
At any rate, that package would be pretty favorable for Oakland.
enricopallazzo
Olson is a perfect fit for the Brewers, just not sure they have the goods to satisfy the A’s
samthebravesfan
That’s cool with me, but I can’t imagine AA would be able to whittle down the prospect cost.
Angels & NL West
Given his age and position, I simply don’t believe there is a market for Freeman at 6/200. AA has traditionally eschewed that type of contract and I don’t think he’s competing against anyone at that price point. I don’t know if the Braves will trade for Olson, but I don’t believe they will sign Freeman for five or six years. Maybe 4/120 with a team option? Sounds low, but AA just doesn’t overpay.
stymeedone
Well said!
Armaments216
Prospect cost for Olson would be way too high. If the Braves don’t end up with Freeman, Adam Duvall would have no problem at 1B.
Edp007
Wonder what the dynamics are between AA and ownership ? Is this AA’s call no meddling from above? How does ownerships feel about Freddie ?Is ownership behind Alex 100% if he’s balking at more than five years ? Or can he lose his job if he doesn’t get it done with Freddie. That is while he’s playing chicken with Freddie , someone scoops him away , asleep at the wheel. ?
PutPeteinthehall
Can’t see the Braves paying 6/200. No one will. Braves have other holes. Can fill them all with what Freeman wants for himself. He will have to come down fast once the lockout ends or find himself switching teams.
bravesfan88
It just isn’t worth it comparing Olsen and Freeman. Freeman only costs money. Olsen would cost at least a trio of top 10-12 prospects on an already thin system.
Just sign Freeman, and get it over with already. And Freeman just sign the deal already. You’re beloved here in Atlanta, and you love it here…Come on guys just hammer it out, and make something work!!
SportsFan0000
Olson and/or Chapman would be great fits for the Phillies
if they had the prospect capital to swing the deal