It did not take Matt Olson long to figure out a major difference between the Oakland A’s and Atlanta Braves.
That was clear even without his own eight year extension as he watched the Braves lock Austin Riley up to a ten year contract. As Olson said to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Showing up to the yard and knowing that a lot of this core is going to be here for the next four, five plus years, it’s really cool and something that’s new for me.”
Matt Olson takes not so veiled shot at Oakland A’s
Such a business model runs contrary to what Olson is used to. During his time in Oakland, the roster was a revolving door, with the team focused on trying to find bargains and trading players once they were too expensive. It is a business model that allows ownership to pocket as much money as possible.
That was the same as what happened to Olson. He was part of the most recent selloff, joining Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea, and Chris Bassitt as the A’s unloaded their core. He also spent his time in Oakland watching other prized players leave without any actual attempt to bring those impending free agents back.
Now he finds himself with a team that actually wants to win instead of maximizing profits. Olson has the comfort of knowing that certain players will be around for the long haul as the Braves’ core will be there for the foreseeable future.
It is a dramatic change from what Olson is used to. His statements are also a direct shot at ownership and their ridiculous refusal to invest in a team that has had a great deal of potential. Unfortunately, they will never reach the heights they are capable of until ownership changes.
Matt Olson is in a much better situation as it pertains to winning. His comments about the Oakland A’s and having a core are proof.