3 potential trade destinations for Matt Olson
Matt Olson was one of the hottest names in trade rumors prior to the lockout. The Oakland A’s first baseman was heavily pursued, with multiple teams interested in his services. Given his two years of team control and relatively affordable salary compared to the cost of a free agent, it is not a surprise that the Oakland A’s phone would be ringing off the hook.
Olson also put together a career season at the perfect time. He produced a 153 OPS+ in his 673 plate appearances, hitting 39 homers and 35 doubles while driving in over 100 runs for the first time in his career. He made his first All Star Game and was a finalist for the Gold Glove award.
Three landing spots for Matt Olson
While teams typically do not empty the farm system for a first baseman, there are extenuating circumstances. Freddie Freeman is clearly the best option available in free agency, with Olson being a comparable value in terms of production. When one considers the financial implications, it may be worth sending those prospects to Oakland to add Olson to the lineup.
There are going to be plenty of suitors for Matt Olson once the lockout comes to an end. Let’s look at three possible trade destinations.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are expected to retain Freddie Freeman on a long term deal. However, there are some issues with that happening.
The first is that the two sides are far apart in terms of their salary expectations. The Braves offered a five year deal worth $135 million while Freeman is looking for a six year deal at $200 million. Maybe the two sides can bridge that gap, but it is quite the divide in terms of a dollar amount.
The second is that Freeman is getting frustrated with the Braves. He has begun considering offers from other teams, with the Blue Jays, in particular, being aggressive in their pursuit. The Braves, on their end, have checked in with Anthony Rizzo‘s representatives and have inquired about Olson.
From a strictly baseball standpoint, Olson makes a great deal of sense. He is younger than Freeman and will cost less over the next two seasons. He is also just entering his prime and may outperform Freeman in that stretch.
If the Atlanta Braves do not retain Freddie Freeman, they could quickly pivot to Matt Olson. He may even be an upgrade.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are looking to trade Luke Voit and upgrade at first base. The Oakland A’s would be a perfect trading partner.
Should the A’s deal Matt Olson, they will need to find a replacement at first. Voit is under team control for three years and will be much less expensive than Olson, especially in light of his disappointing 2021 season. The embattled Yankees first baseman produced a 109 OPS+ with 11 homers in his 241 plate appearances over an injury plagued season.
Voit has been a productive player before. He led the majors with 22 homers in the pandemic shortened 2020 season and belted 14 homers in 148 plate appearances with the Yankees in 2018. He could end up being a solid contributor with the A’s should he be part of a hypothetical package for Olson.
That does not mean that Yankees would not improve. Olson has been much more consistent over his career than Voit, and his defense at first would be a significant upgrade. He would be well worth the prospect cost for a team that has not done anything to improve thus far in the offseason.
The New York Yankees are looking to improve at first base. Matt Olson could be the upgrade that they need.
Miami Marlins
As strange as it may be to think of the Miami Marlins as buyers, that is the case. CEO and owner Derek Jeter is tired of losing and is looking to turn the franchise around as soon as possible.
While the Marlins have plenty of young pitching, they desperately need to improve their offense. That has been the focal point of their offseason, with the front office saying that they are willing to trade from their stockpile of young arms to strengthen the lineup.
First base does not seem to be an area the Marlins would need to upgrade. Jesus Aguilar was their best hitter last season, leading the team in homers and RBI while posting the best OPS+ of any of their primary starters. However, Aguilar’s defense makes him better suited for a designated hitter role.
Enter Matt Olson. Not only would he improve their lineup, but he would be a drastic improvement defensively at first. He would add a power bat to a lineup in desperate need of one while showing that the Marlins are serious about contending both this season and into the future.
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The Miami Marlins are looking to become a playoff caliber team. Adding Matt Olson to the roster would be a step in that direction.