Atlanta Braves move quickly to extend Matt Olson

There is something to be said for being wanted and going to a franchise that is willing to spend the money needed to contend. Such is the case with Matt Olson as it comes to the Atlanta Braves.

On the heels of Monday’s blockbuster trade, the Braves made certain that Olson will be a part of their core moving forward. The two sides have agreed upon an eight year extension worth $168 million which also includes a team option for 2030 at $30 million.

Atlanta Braves add Matt Olson to long term core

This extension shows why the Braves were willing to move on from Freddie Freeman. While Freeman had been a franchise icon and should end up wearing a Braves cap on his Hall of Fame plaque, it is still a matter of price.

That is where the two sides could not line up. Freeman had reportedly been eyeing a six year deal worth $200 million. The Braves, meanwhile, were reportedly at five years and $135 million. No matter how much they wanted a reunion, that was a large gulf to bridge. Ultimately, it proved to be too much.

One could argue that Olson is a better option than Freeman. He produced an excellent .271/.371/.540 batting line last season in his 673 plate appearances, hitting 39 homers and 35 doubles. As he will be turning 28 years old at the start of the upcoming season, he is just entering his prime.

Meanwhile, any contract given to Freeman will be to pay for his past production. He is still likely to have a few good years left, and may even perform at a superstar level for another couple of years, but he is entering the downside of his career. Instead of paying for that, the Braves locked up one of the best first basemen in the game for his entire prime at a lower cost.

The Atlanta Braves did not wait long to lock in Matt Olson. The two sides have agreed to an eight year extension worth $168 million.