MLB Rumors: A's & Braves Discussing Blockbuster Trade

The Oakland A's and Atlanta Braves have been rumored to be discussing a blockbuster trade that would send All-Star first baseman Matt Olson to the Braves. The move is pending the contract status of Braves legend Freddie Freeman and if he does leave the franchise, expect to see this trade with Oakland finalized.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal was the first to report the news as he confirmed the two teams had been in contact before the lockout began. While some don't think Freeman leaves, there's been a ton of interest in his services and frankly the Braves may get outbid. The likes of the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have been hot on the Freeman watch.

As for Olson, the A's have told other teams they are moving him and are expected to receive a huge package in return. He's someone for the Braves who is four years younger than Freeman and also has two more years of team control before hitting the open market. In 2021, Olson hit 39 HR and collected 111 RBI. Two categories which were more productive than his Braves counterpart. Not often times a World Series champion team loses one of their best players and replaces him with such a talent, so this will be interesting to follow once the league begins operations.

As for Freeman, he's seeking a massive contract in the neighborhood of $180 million over six years. Add in the Los Angeles Dodgers into the mix of interested teams, as the Yanks and Blue Jays will have some competition to sign the five-time All-Star. Freeman has hit a career .295 with 271 HR and 941 RBI over the 12 seasons he's spent in Atlanta.

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