The Atlanta Braves signed Matt Olson, a new first baseman, to an eight-year $168 million contract on Tuesday, one day after severing ties with Freddie Freeman.
Olson could not be eligible for free agency until the 2023 season. However, the World Series champions quickly secured the 27 year-old slugger through at minimum 2029. There is also a $20 million club option that will be available for 2030, with no buyout.
After failing to agree with Freeman for a contract, the Braves solved their potential gap at first base. Freeman was the team’s leader for over a decade. He played a major role in Atlanta winning its first World Series title since 1995.
Four top prospects were traded by the Braves to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Olson. Olson is a 2021 All-Star who just finished a season that saw him hit.271 and had 39 homers.
Olson will earn $15 million this season, $21 million 2023, and $22 million for each of the six subsequent seasons.
It was the 10th agreement of at least $100 millions since the World Series ended and the first since Major League Baseball’s 99 day lockout.
This payout surpasses the $135 million eight-year contract that Freeman signed following the 2013 season.
Freeman, 32, was not able to be re-signed by Atlanta. The Braves were willing to accept a shorter deal for Freeman, as he was a younger player and would have to make less per year than his predecessor.
Olson, who turns 28 in March, flew from Arizona, to Venice, Florida for the Braves spring training camp, where he was announced his new contract during an introductory news conference.
Olson is aware of the huge shoes he must fill in Atlanta where Freeman was a leader and one among the most beloved players.
Freeman, a career.295 hitter who hit 38 homers in 2019, was a career record holder. Freeman has two 100-RBI seasons and three years in which he scored more than 90 runs. He was awarded the NL MVP in 2020 and placed in the top 10 of balloting five more times. In addition, he won three Silver Slugger awards as well as a Gold Glove award for his defensive work.
Freeman is yet to sign with a team. There are rumors that Freeman could be signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees.
Olson stated that Freddie was an “incredible player”. It won’t affect my ability to do what I come here. Matt Olson is my purpose. This is all I can control.
Alex Anthopoulos, Braves general manger, boldly moved to strengthen the lineup after it became clear that Freeman would likely sign elsewhere on Sunday night.
Atlanta traded four of its top-20 prospects, including Cristian Pache, outfielder and projected catcher for the Shea Langeliers. The Braves also gave up pitchers Ryan Cusick (a 2021 first-rounder) and Joey Estes.
But it was worth it for Anthopoulos , when Olson’s new contract was finally signed after a long negotiation session with his agent. B.B. Abbott.
Olson, who has a.252 average career and 142 homers, is a two-time Gold Glove recipient. He also boasts an.859 OPS in six seasons. He was voted AL MVP eighth last season, making him one of the best first basemen in the game.
Anthopoulos stated that it was a very exciting day. We worked all day and all night on it. “I haven’t gotten much sleep.”
According to the GM, Olson, a native from suburban Atlanta, was delighted to be a part of a long-term group of young stars that includes Ozzie Albies Jr., Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Anthopoulos stated to Olson that “for you wanting to commit to, to be here and be part of the core, is extraordinarily exciting.” “Hopefully we will continue to be a very strong club.”
Other nine-figure deals were made by Texas shortstop Corey Seager (USD 325 million), Tampa Bay infielder Wander Fran ($182 million), Rangers secondbaseman Marcus Semien (175 million), Rangers infielder Javier Baez (175 million), Toronto infielder Javier Baez (170 million), Toronto righthander Jose Berrios (131 million), Mets righthander Max Scherzer (130 million), Seattle lefthander Robbie Ray (121.5 million), Blue Jays righthander Kevin Gausman (102.5 million) and Byron Buxton from the Minnesotaner Byron Buxton, who is currently on $110 million).