
Braves, Matt Olson agree to 8-year, $168 million deal
Braves, Matt Olson agree to 8-year, $168 million deal
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SportsWriters
The Atlanta Braves found themselves a perfect first baseman in Oakland Athletics’ Matt Olson to replace Freddie Freeman who decided to become a free agent.
Braves signed Olson to an eight-year, $168 million contract until 2029 on Tuesday. It reportedly also includes a $20 million club option for 2030 with no buyout.
“He is now part of this core,” Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos said. “He wanted to be here.”
Olson is a huge fan of the city of Atlanta. He even bought a house there last August. When the offer came knocking, the two-time Gold Glove winner could not say no.
“Obviously, I know Atlanta,” the 27-year-old Olson said Monday. “It’s an amazing place, World Series champs, my hometown. If there was one place to go and leave here, that’s the place to do it. I’m excited about it.”
Olson also commented about playing the position Freeman played for 12 seasons with the Braves.
“Freddie is obviously an amazing player,” Olson said when asked about Freeman. “It’s just not going to affect what I come here and do. I’m here to be Matt Olson. That’s all I can really control.”
Olson has a .252 career average, 142 homers and an .859 OPS that stretches over six years in Oakland. The three-time Fielding Bible Awards winner drove in 111 runs last season as well.










