Matt Olson Traded to Braves from Athletics amid Freddie Freeman Rumors

The Atlanta Braves have found their first baseman for the 2022.

Jeff Passan reported the deal.

In the blockbuster deal, the A's will get outfielder Pache, catcher Langeliers, and starting pitchers Cusick and Estes.

The deal also means Freddie will likely sign elsewhere in free agency.

After missing the playoffs with an increased payroll last season, the A's appear to have set their sights on a reset.

Bob Melvin left the team in a surprise move to take the same job with the San Diego Padres. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the A's are looking to slash their payroll to a major-league low of $50 million for the next season.

Oakland had a payroll of $90.9 million. The team does not have a guaranteed contract after next season. Both Stephen Piscotty and Elvis Andrus have options on their teams.

According to Spotrac, Olson is projected to earn approximately $12 million through the course of the season.

The Atlanta native has been one of the best all-around first basemen in the American League since he was a first baseman. He won two Gold Glove Awards in a row.

Since his first full season in 2018, he has won more FanGraphs games than replacement. He set career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, homers, and runs.

As the team waited for Freddie to decide if he wanted to re-sign or move on in free agency, the Braves moved to acquire Olson.

In the previous three seasons, Olson has posted better totals. He is a better defensive player.

If Ronald Acuna Jr. is healthy, the Braves have everything they need to make another run in the playoffs. Alex Anthopoulos made a wise addition to the general manager.

The NL East is expected to be very competitive, especially at the top. The New York Mets could have the best one-two punch at the top of their starting rotation. If Nola gets back on track, the Philadelphia Phillies should be better.

The Braves are the team to beat in the division after winning the World Series, but their path to a fifth consecutive NL East title will be difficult.