The roster of the Atlanta Braves will be very different this season with Matt Olson stepping into the shoes of the team’s first baseman. He will be replacing Freddie Freeman, who, following the Braves’ acquisition of Olson last week, chose to sign a six-year contract worth $162 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
People Believe Freddie Freeman Abandons Atlanta Braves
While many are not happy Freddie Freeman left the Braves, some are pleased that he has joined the Dodgers. A popular opinion is that he abandoned the Braves because they signed up with Olson. This is because Atlanta appeared to pivot away from Freeman when it got first baseman Matt Olson, who is also four years younger and still has two more years before his own free agency.
Olson Could Prove to Be a Good Replacement for Freeman
Olson is a great defender with terrific power and the qualities of a team leader. The expectations are that Braves fans will be rather happy with Olson, even though he is no Freddie Freeman. Freeman was great at getting runners at second or third base and often seemed to have a quick path to the ball. His skills as a great hitter will now serve the Dodgers. He is still among the very best at what he does and the Braves will definitely miss him. However, Olson is also good in the big spots and a true wizard when games have to be decided.
Reportedly, Freeman chose to accept the deal the Dodgers were offering despite it being less than what the Braves had offered him. Prior to the offseason, Freeman had declined a five-year offer deal with the Braves for $135 million. He agreed to sign with the Dodgers after the acquisition of Olson from the Oakland Athletics. To many, it was clear that they had moved on from Freeman, so his decision was not all that surprising. Now, what lies in store for both players remains to be seen and that will definitely happen where it should – on the field.