The cheapness of the Oakland A’s ownership cannot be overstated. Their refusal to spend on the roster has caused their most recent window of contention to be wasted. It has led to the most recent fire sale, with Matt Olson and Chris Bassitt having already been traded away. Other deals are coming as anyone with any value is going to be traded away so ownership can save another buck or two.
Olson was out the door on Monday, shipped to Atlanta for what has been considered an impressive haul of prospects. But that did not matter to the Braves. They know what they have in Olson and wanted to make certain he sticks around. In fact, they already signed him to an eight year extension worth $168 million.
Matt Olson extension proves why Oakland A’s need new ownership
It is fair to consider that extension to be a bargain. The Braves have managed to lock Olson up throughout the rest of his prime and bought out six years of free agency. That contract is being viewed as a drastic underpayment as well, especially considering that Freddie Freeman was reportedly looking for over $30 million a year. As Olson is younger and arguably better, the Braves easily won that deal.
It also speaks volumes as to the cheapness of A’s ownership. Olson wanted to stay in Oakland for the rest of his career. He loved the city and the team. But he also knew that the writing was on the wall. As Matt Chapman said, no one stays in Oakland forever.
Olson’s extension is not unaffordable for the A’s. It is more that A’s ownership does not want to spend. They may have even received more of a discount if they were willing to open the checkbook. But the bottom line means more than winning and that will never change with John Fisher.
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The Oakland A’s could have easily afforded to extend Matt Olson. His extension with the Braves just shows how cheap ownership really is.