The best highlights from last season can be found here. (1:45)
The first call from a general manager to a newly acquired player is usually perfunctory. Alex Anthopoulos had more to say when he phoned Matt Olson on Monday after acquiring the All-Star first baseman in a trade for the Oakland Athletics.
Anthopoulos said that his next call would be to the agent of the player.
A series of events that he referred to as "whirlwind" culminated in the signing of an eight-year, $168 million contract with the Braves.
The deal runs through the 2029 season. There is a $20 million club option for 2030.
The stars kind of aligned perfectly, according to the man who grew up in the Atlanta area.
Maybe for the Braves leadership, as well, because this move could help to diffuse criticism over the handling of their negotiations with long time first baseman Freddie Freeman. When Anthopoulos completed the deal for Olson, he effectively closed the door on a return to Atlanta for Freeman, who had been with the organization for 15 years and was a fan favorite. A lot of Braves fans were angry that the team didn't finish a deal with Freeman last spring or last season.
The largest contract in the history of the Braves is the one signed by Olson, who will be a centerpiece for the team for years to come.
Anthopoulos said Tuesday that he is now part of the core.
He joked with his wife that they would have to arrange for someone to pick up the mail after he bought a home in Atlanta. He mentioned to her that the November wedding might be interrupted by the agent of her client, as the Athletics were offering offers for him at the beginning of the season.
On Monday, Oakland general manager David Forst met with Olson before the first full-squad workout and told him they couldn't let him go on the field because he might be at risk for an injury at a time when a deal seemed close. After the Braves gave up a package of prospects, Anthopoulos made a phone call and told Olson about his plans to make a big offer.
I asked what you said.
When Abbott detailed the offer, Olson hung up and asked family members what to say no to.
He will play for his hometown team. That club is a good one. For a lot of money. He and Nicole just bought a home in Atlanta.
When he's a first baseman, he gets to have conversations with other players. He didn't know what he would say when that happens. We will have to look at what is up there.
In addition to the $22 million per season he will make over the remainder of the deal, he was not eligible for free agency until after the 2023 season. The Atlanta Braves Foundation will receive a donation of $1.68 million from him.
He is a two-time Gold Glove winner with a.252 career average, 142 homers and an.859 OPS. Last season, he hit 39 homers and drove in more than 100 runs.
I know Atlanta and it is an amazing place, World Series champ, my hometown. If there was only one place to go and leave, that was the place to do it. I am excited about it.
It was the 10th contract of at least $100 million agreed to since the end of the World Series and the first since Major League Baseball's 99-day lockout ended last week.
After last season, Atlanta was not willing to make that kind of commitment again. He was the NL 2020 Most Valuable Player and a five-time All-Star over 12 seasons with Atlanta.
Freddie is an amazing player, and it will not affect what I do here. I am here to be Matt. That is all I can control.
The report was contributed to by the Associated Press.
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