The Milwaukee Brewers are built to win now. They have arguably the top trio of starters in the game atop their rotation and a dominant back of the bullpen. The problem is that the Brewers’ offense is middling at best, keeping a championship caliber pitching staff from reaching their destiny. Oakland A’s first baseman Matt Olson could change that.
As it currently stands, the Brewers have Rowdy Tellez penciled in as their starting first baseman. He was solid after being acquired by Milwaukee last year, posting a 116 OPS+ with seven homers and ten doubles in his 174 plate appearances. Tellez had also displayed his potential in short spurts in the past, performing well in a brief trial in 2018 and during the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign.
Matt Olson could be the answer for the Milwaukee Brewers
The problem is that Tellez has not been able to maintain that production over a full season. For a team with championship aspirations, such as the Brewers, having such a large question mark at an important offensive position can be devastating.
While there are several first baseman on the trade block, most have questions as well. Olson, however, has proven to be the type of power bat that teams look for in the middle of their lineup. As the Brewers lineup posted a combined 91 OPS+ and was in the bottom half of the league in majority of the offensive categories, change is needed.
Olson could be exactly what that lineup needs. He had a breakout campaign in 2021, posting a 153 OPS+ with 39 homers and 35 doubles over his 673 plate appearances. Add Olson’s Gold Glove caliber defense at first, and he would be a significant upgrade.
The Brewers also have the type of pieces that could interest the A’s. They have several young arms that are on the cusp of reaching the majors and plenty of talent in the lower minors. Even former prospects, such as Keston Hiura, could be of interest as a buy-low change of scenery option.
If the Oakland A’s undertake their expected fire sale, Matt Olson is going to have a hot market. The Milwaukee Brewers need to bring him in.