Matt Olson, Braves Agree to 8-Year, $168M Contract Extension After Trade with A's

The Atlanta Braves are going to have Matt Olson with them for the foreseeable future.

The first baseman, who was recently traded to the team from the Oakland A's, signed an eight-year, $168 million extension Tuesday.

He hit.270 with 39 homers, 101 runs, and a.911 OPS in the 2021 season. He had at least 20 homers in four of the last five seasons.

The two-time Gold Glove winner and one-time All-Star has a tough task ahead of him, however, attempting to replace Atlanta superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman, who will almost certainly be signing elsewhere in free agency.

Adding in the fact that the Braves gave up catcher Cristian Pache and pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes will add to the new contract.

Zach Klein @ZachKleinWSB

Braves Matt Olson on the pressure and expectation of not only playing in home town.. but replacing Freddie Freeman pic.twitter.com/KhwkreOBLU

Justin Felder @Justin_FOX5

"I watched Chipper, Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine. I was the kid in the stands."
Matt Olson repeatedly called the last 24 hours a "whirlwind," excited to play in his hometown in front of friends and family. pic.twitter.com/gNCNN3ZDnx

Freddie is an amazing player, and it will not affect what I do here. I'm here to be Matt.

It would be difficult for any player to duplicate the career achievements of one of their idols. He is a club legend.

Justin Toscano @JustinCToscano

Alex Anthopoulos just acquired Matt Olson, one of the best first basemen in the league, and yet he was at the point of tears.

That should show you how much he and the Braves cared about Freddie Freeman.

Dansby Swanson said that he should have his number retired as an Atlanta Brave. That part is disappointing and at the same time there is the friendship component.

He said that the best leaders show up and that he showed up every day.

Olson signed an extension two years before he could have hit free agency.

Luke Easterling @LukeEasterling

We can be sad that Freddie Freeman is leaving, while also acknowledging that Matt Olson is a fantastic (much younger) replacement who is now locked in on a much cheaper deal than he'd get on the open market. #ForTheA

Jared Carrabis @Jared_Carrabis

By the way, Braves fans, you’re gonna love Matt Olson. One of the best defenders you’re going to see at first base, sneaky one of the best power bats in baseball when he’s locked in, and just a genuinely good dude. I know it sucks to lose Freddie, but you’re getting a great one.

It was smart for Atlanta. For years to come, he should be an excellent player. The human component of saying goodbye to a player will sting even more.