The Atlanta Braves will be fresh off a World Series win in the 2022 off-season; and while it maybe the last thing on their minds, reinforcements will be necessary. The strongest teams strengthen when they are at the top to stay there, and the Braves may be at that point in their life cycle. And with Freddie Freeman peaking at just the right time, maximizing his trade value could well be on the table for the Truist Park faithful. And Matt Olson may soon be inbound.

The nature of most off-season moves is that they reinforce the dugout. However, the Braves might be looking at a gaping hole to fill in their dugout if they lose Freddie Freeman to free agency. Freeman is a free agent this window and despite subsequent negotiations with the team last spring, last summer, and even as soon as November, no agreement has been fructified.

The Braves might well have held back because they had considered Freeman re-signing a given. But given the non-agreement so far, Freeman might well be considering other pastures. The protraction of these negotiation talks could have backfired, and the replacement signing in his scenario presents himself quite naturally.

Read More: How Much of a Deal Could Freddie Freeman End Up Landing to Return to Atlanta Braves?

Matt Olson – Headed for the Atlanta Braves?

Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletic might well be poised to sport the Braves jersey next season. The move would likely be the Braves initiative; continuing from prior to the lockout when the move was reportedly discussed. With the Braves likely missing out on re-signing Freeman, Olson would likely be the ideal replacement.

Olson could be seen as an ideal replacement for the more experienced Freeman. While his statline reflects stats similar to Freeman’s play in the majors, he is also 4 and a half years younger than the Atlanta product.

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Fans, however, may not react well to the exit of homegrown talent. Much less when said talent, Freeman has led them to their first World Series title since 1995.

Olson, however, may affect the club’s financials a bit more significantly. The Oakland A and his future earnings will likely deviate from those projected for Freeman. Online portals project that Olson will make $12 million in arbitration next season.

Assuming the system remains unaffected by the labor negotiations and lockout talks currently underway, he likely would earn about $15 million in arbitration the year after that, then become eligible for free agency. While conversations about his free agency may be premature, his price could go as high as $30 million per year in free agency.

However, in truth, all conversations remain nebulous up until more can be said about Freeman’s free agency. And while the Braves are in pole position, Freeman could just as well sport alternate colors come opening day.