The Atlanta Braves finally set the first base market on Monday, by trading four prospects to the Oakland Athletics to get Matt Olson.
They had to give Oakland catcher Shea Langeliers, outfielder Cristian Pache, and pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes, all highly regarded in the baseball universe.
Lost in the hoopla involving franchise icon Freddie Freeman and his future in the league is the fact that the Braves not only traded for a local kid, but they also extended him on a whopping eight-year deal worth $168 million.
The hometown kid is here to stay. pic.twitter.com/fI08Mpz3jP
— MLB (@MLB) March 15, 2022
In fact, a quick Internet search is enough to verify that Olson’s place of birth is indeed Atlanta, Georgia.
His childhood transpired while stars such as Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez, Andruw Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz, just to mention a few, were on the team.
The Local Kid Will Have His Chance To Impress
It’s pretty cool that he got to enjoy them from the stands, as a fan.
He will now have the chance to do something special on the same franchise as those legends.
He is well-equipped to do so: he has a beautiful swing from the left side of the plate, one that generates a lot of power.
He hit 39 home runs last season, while slashing .271/.371/.540.
He has power, patience, and a lot of power, and will be joined in a solid Braves lineup by Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, and other solid hitters.
Olson is also a very solid defensive player, and he is only 27.
He may still have a lot of productive years left: that’s surely the Braves’ hope.
The hometown kid will have a chance to shine in front of friends and family.
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