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Rumors: Oakland A’s have high price tag for Matt Olson trade … for now

By Kevin Henry

Aug 27, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits an RBI single against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits an RBI single against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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If your team wants to acquire first baseman Matt Olson from the Oakland A’s, be ready for that team to give up plenty in order to get Olson, one of Major League Baseball’s most coveted trade chips. At least that’s where things stand early in the offseason according to one MLB insider.

Oakland A’s reportedly have a hefty price tag attached to any trade for Matt Olson

According to a tweet MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Oakland A’s are said to be “shooting for the moon” when it comes to any trade packages that will be required to unlock the 27-year-old Olson from a green and gold uniform.

Why such a high price tag? On the field, Olson is coming off a season where he posted a career-high slash line of .271/.371/.540 with 39 home runs and 111 RBI. Additionally, he still has two seasons left before he can become a free agent, meaning any team that acquires him in a trade this offseason can not only expect to have him in their lineup through 2023, but will also have the chance to sign him to a longer deal as well.

Which teams will this high price tag impact the most? Most of the trade rumors are linking the New York Yankees and the A’s together in any kind of Olson swap, but other big-budget teams like the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire on December 1, it’s possible that Olson will still be with the A’s when and if a work stoppage impacts MLB. It’s also possible, once a potential work stoppage is over, that the A’s could lower the price on Olson should a deal not come together before the 2022 season begins. However, Oakland holds the power with this deal as several teams will likely be throwing trade ideas toward the A’s in an effort to acquire Olson.

Next. 3 moves for the A's this offseason. dark

One report stated that the Yankees have made an inquiry about Olson, but that’s about as far as talks have progressed. With such a high price tag, don’t be surprised if this is a trade that is made later rather than sooner.

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