Dodgers' Freddie Freeman Says He Was 'Hurt' by Braves' Matt Olson Trade

The Atlanta Braves were preparing for a future without their long-time first baseman by acquiring Matt Olson in a trade with the Oakland A's.

While speaking with reporters Friday, he revealed that he was hurt by Atlanta's decision to acquire Olson.

I was surprised, I think every emotion came across. I was hurt.

On Monday, the Braves traded four prospects to the A's in exchange for outfielder Greg Olson, who was signed to an eight-year, $168 million contract on Tuesday.

According to The Athletic's David O'Brien, the price and length of commitment were the reasons why the Braves decided to move on from Freddie.

"Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos decided Sunday night, with Freeman negotiations at a standstill, to move on because they have other needs to fill with Opening Day only about three weeks away, and with budget limits."

Before signing with the Dodgers, he had spent his entire career in Atlanta. He told reporters in October that he wanted to spend his entire career with the Braves. It was not surprising that he was hurt by the franchise's decision to acquire Olson.

I haven't imagined playing anywhere else yet, because I haven't gotten to that point, according to the Associated Press. The Braves are in the Gulf Coast League. It is all I have ever known.

He was a five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, the 2020 NL Most Valuable Player and a Gold Glove winner during his tenure in Atlanta, and he helped the Braves capture their first World Series title since 1995 last season.

In his career with the Braves, he slashed.295/.384/.509 with 912 runs scored and 271 home runs. He emerged as one of the best left-handed hitters in baseball, and it will be difficult for the Braves to replace his production.

He has only been in the majors for six seasons, the last of which he spent with the A's. The Georgia native earned two Gold Gloves on the defensive side. He slashed.252/.348/.509 with 373 runs scored and 142 home runs in Oakland.