The Atlanta Braves broke some hearts with their latest transaction.
They sent pitching prospects Joey Estes and Ryan Cusick, plus outfielder Cristian Pache and catcher Shea Langeliers to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for All-Star first baseman Matt Olson.
They broke the hearts of an entire city, because this particular move signals the end of Freddie Freeman‘s era in Atlanta.
As you can probably guess, Freeman is a legend in Atlanta and remains a productive batter, so fans don’t quite understand why they didn’t work harder to retain him.
Olson is very good, though, so they should enjoy a top offensive and defensive first baseman anyway.
Pache Thanked Braves Fans After Learning He Was Traded
Pache, meanwhile, didn’t hide the fact he was crushed after learning the Braves traded him.
He posted the following message on his Twitter account: “My heart is broken. I just found out that I was traded to the A’s. I know that’s the way this business works, but I want Braves fans to know that I will be eternally grateful to him wherever he goes. Thank you for so much support, for so much love and for being so special to me.”
My heart is broken. I just found out that I was traded to the A's. I know that's the way this business works, but I want Braves fans to know that I will be eternally grateful to him wherever he goes. Thank you for so much support, for so much love and for being so special to me.
— Cristian pache (@cristianpache25) March 14, 2022
We are sure Pache has nothing against Oakland and he will play and try to thrive there, but for a player, going from a World Series-winning team to a perennial rebuilder has to have some kind of impact.
That’s the positive takeaway for Pache, though: he will probably receive many more playing time opportunities in Oakland than in Atlanta.
His defense and speed are his calling cards, but he remains a promising hitter even if the early results (.111/.152/.206 line in 68 plate appearances in 2021) aren’t positive.
NEXT: Braves Mortgage Their Future Betting On Matt Olson
