Just now Shock’: Braves replace Freddie Freeman with $168 million man Matt Olson in whirlwind 24 hours

Just now Shock’: Braves replace Freddie Freeman with $168 million man Matt Olson in whirlwind 24 hours

The Atlanta Braves made a significant move when they replaced Freddie Freeman with Matt Olson in a fast-paced, high-stakes deal. After failing to reach a contract extension with Freeman, who was a beloved cornerstone of the team, the Braves swiftly traded for Olson, the first baseman from the Oakland Athletics, in a blockbuster deal. Olson then signed an 8-year, $168 million contract with Atlanta, solidifying his place as Freeman’s successor.

This move was surprising for many Braves fans, given Freeman’s long tenure and key role in their 2021 World Series win. However, Olson’s addition provided the team with a younger power hitter who could maintain strong offensive and defensive production at first base.

This transition, completed in just 24 hours, marked a significant moment in the Braves’ efforts to build on their championship success while making a tough decision to part ways with one of their franchise icons.

Comparing **Matt Olson** to **Freddie Freeman** reveals some key similarities and differences, especially in terms of hitting, defense, and overall impact. Both players are elite first basemen, but their styles and production have some variations.

### **Offensive Comparison**:
1. **Power**:
– **Matt Olson** is known for his raw power, consistently hitting for home runs. In 2021, Olson hit 39 home runs compared to Freeman’s 31. Olson has a slightly higher ceiling in terms of home run potential, and he consistently ranks among the league leaders in that category.
– **Freddie Freeman**, while also a power hitter, has a more well-rounded offensive profile. He has slightly less raw power but is capable of 25-30 home run seasons regularly.

2. **Contact and Batting Average**:
– **Freeman** is a better contact hitter with a career batting average over .300 and a keen ability to use all parts of the field. He consistently puts up high on-base percentages (OBP), with his plate discipline being one of the best in the league.
– **Olson**, on the other hand, strikes out more often and has a lower career batting average (.252). His OBP is still solid, but it’s not on Freeman’s level due to Olson’s higher strikeout rate.

3. **Plate Discipline**:
– **Freeman** has exceptional plate discipline, often posting a strong walk-to-strikeout ratio and displaying patience at the plate.
– **Olson** has improved his plate discipline, reducing his strikeouts in recent years, but Freeman remains superior in this regard.

### **Defensive Comparison**:
1. **Matt Olson** is regarded as an elite defensive first baseman, having won two **Gold Gloves** (2018, 2019). His fielding ability is top-tier, with excellent range and reliability around the bag.
– Olson’s defense arguably gives him an edge over Freeman in terms of overall value at first base.

2. **Freddie Freeman** is also a very good defender, although not quite as decorated as Olson. He has a **Gold Glove (2018)** to his name and is a steady, reliable presence at first, though Olson is considered the superior defender.

### **Intangibles**:
1. **Freeman** was the heart and soul of the Braves during his tenure, a key leader both on and off the field. His impact on the clubhouse and connection with the fan base was immense. He was seen as the face of the franchise.
2. **Olson**, while not yet as iconic in Atlanta, brings his own leadership and strong work ethic. At 5 years younger than Freeman, he represents a long-term option for the Braves, potentially offering them high production for many more years.

### **Conclusion**:
– **Freddie Freeman** is the more complete hitter, offering a balance of power, contact, and elite plate discipline.
– **Matt Olson** is younger and has greater raw power and superior defense, making him a strong replacement, particularly for a team looking to maintain its championship window over the long term.

In summary, while losing Freeman was an emotional blow for Braves fans, Olson offers a high-level combination of power and defense, making him a worthy successor at first base.

Matt Olson has had limited postseason experience compared to Freddie Freeman, but his performance in the playoffs has been solid, though not yet as impactful as Freeman’s. Let’s break down Olson’s postseason numbers and performance:

### **Matt Olson’s Playoff Performance**:
As of the end of the 2023 season, Matt Olson has appeared in three postseasons (2020, 2022, and 2023) — primarily with the Oakland Athletics in 2020 and with the Braves in 2022 and 2023. Here’s a look at his overall performance:

1. **2020 Postseason (with Oakland Athletics)**:
– In 2020, Olson played in the COVID-shortened postseason during the A’s run in the Wild Card Series and the ALDS.
– **Wild Card Series vs. White Sox**: Olson struggled, going **0-for-9** in three games.
– **ALDS vs. Astros**: Olson performed better, hitting **.294** (5-for-17) with 1 home run and 3 RBIs. Despite his improved performance, the A’s lost the series.

**Overall 2020 Stats**:
– Batting Average: **.143**
– Home Runs: **1**
– RBIs: **3**

2. **2022 Postseason (with Atlanta Braves)**:
– In Olson’s first postseason with the Braves after replacing Freddie Freeman, the team faced the Philadelphia Phillies in the **NLDS**. The Braves lost the series in four games.
– Olson was one of the better performers for the Braves, hitting **.250** (4-for-16) with **2 home runs** and **3 RBIs**.

**2022 NLDS Stats**:
– Batting Average: **.250**
– Home Runs: **2**
– RBIs: **3**

3. **2023 Postseason (with Atlanta Braves)**:
– Olson was part of the Braves’ NLDS matchup against the Phillies again. His performance wasn’t as strong this time, and the Braves were eliminated in four games.
– In the series, Olson hit **.083** (1-for-12) with no home runs and no RBIs.

**2023 NLDS Stats**:
– Batting Average: **.083**
– Home Runs: **0**
– RBIs: **0**

### **Overall Postseason Stats**:
Across his playoff appearances, Olson’s postseason numbers are relatively modest:
– **Batting Average**: **.184** (7-for-38)
– **Home Runs**: **3**
– **RBIs**: **6**

### **Playoff Comparison to Freddie Freeman**:
– **Freeman** has a far more extensive postseason resume, including key performances during the Braves’ 2021 World Series run, where he hit .304 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs across 16 games.
– Freeman is known for delivering in clutch situations, which elevated his legacy with the Braves, while Olson is still looking to build a similar track record in the postseason.

### **Conclusion**:
Matt Olson’s playoff performance has been mixed so far. He has shown power with 3 postseason home runs, but he’s struggled with consistency, especially in his most recent appearance. Given his talent, there’s potential for Olson to make a bigger impact in future playoff runs, especially as he gains more experience with the Braves.