MLB Rumors: 3 Teams With "Robust Interest" In A's Matt Olson

It's generally known that the Oakland A's had plenty of offers for All-Star first baseman Matt Olson before the lockout; MLB Insider Buster Olney tells us today that the most "robust interest" came from the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. 

Olney says A's fans better brace themselves when the lockout comes to an end, as "the Athletics will be ready to knock out a series of deals swiftly once teams are given the go-ahead to execute transactions."

We've talked here about the Yankees' interest in Olson, and that they have no intention of giving up one of their top prospects. 

Braves targeting Olson as Freeman replacement

As for the Braves, based on new speculation today from Olney about Freddie Freeman, Atlanta will likely be "all in" on swinging a deal for Olson. And as reported earlier by Ken Rosenthal, the Braves had already discussed an Olson trade with Oakland before the lockout. 

The Braves' rumor makes even more sense when you consider that Olson is a Georgia native, and he pretty much ticks all the boxes that Freeman always has: a powerful left-handed bat and Gold Glove-type defense at 1B. 

The Texas Rangers had also "begun investigating" before the lockout what an Olson trade might cost them, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, and that the Rangers will "absolutely" check-in with the A's again after the lockout to see if it's doable. Texas, of course, has already spent huge bags of cash in the free agent market; will they be ready to pony up a costly prospect package now for Olson?

The A's will no doubt be one of the busiest teams when baseball business resumes. 

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