Matt Olson expected to be traded from Oakland A’s this offseason
Matt Olson had perfect timing when it came to his career year. As he is eligible for arbitration for the second time, he is due to receive a substantial pay raise from his $5 million salary in 2021. However, that is not going to come from the Oakland A’s.
As the A’s have stated that they are looking to cut down their payroll, plenty of trades will be coming. Olson is expected to be one of those players, especially as multiple executives around the league are reportedly indicating that another reset is coming.
Oakland A’s expected to deal Matt Olson this offseason
Olson had a tremendous year for the A’s in 2021. A first time All Star, he posted a career best 153 OPS+ with 39 homers and 35 doubles in his 673 plate appearances, driving in over 100 runs for the first time. He was a Gold Glove finalist as well as his defense made the rest of the A’s infield that much better.
That performance will not only drive up his salary in arbitration, but the potential return for his services as well. Several teams are in need of help at first, and getting a Gold Glove caliber power hitting first baseman in the prime of his career would go a long way to solidifying the lineup.
Likewise, that performance should lead to an impressive return for the A’s. The franchise is likely taking a long term view, with the thought that the A’s could be eyeing the 2026 season for their next run. Olson would not be around for that long regardless.
But the A’s have to get this trade right. They cannot afford to have a disastrous return, similar to what happened with Josh Donaldson. Trading Olson has to result in multiple prospects that become stars, otherwise, it will be another disappointment.
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The Oakland A’s are expected to trade Matt Olson this offseason. That news is certainly not a surprise based on their statements.