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The Atlanta Braves have checked in on Oakland Athletics star first baseman Matt Olson, presumably as a contingency plan in case the team cannot retain Freddie Freeman in free agency. It's hard to envision the Braves not paying up to retain Freeman, but other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are interested, and the Braves want to be prepared just in case. The Toronto Blue Jays are another team with interest in trying to pry the 32-year-old away from Atlanta. The A's are willing to listen to offers on Olson, who is controllable through the 2023 season, although their asking price will understandably be high for the All-Star left-handed hitter.
The Oakland Athletics put first baseman Matt Olson on the trade block but are expecting a big return if they are to move him, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. He won't become a free agent until after the 2023 season, so the A's shouldn't feel rushed to deal him. There'll probably be several interested teams, though, as he just put up his best season yet. He slashed .271/.371/.540 with 39 HRs, 111 RBI, and 101 runs in 156 games. Olson's already one of the top fantasy first baseman heading into next season, but if he is dealt, that might only increase his value. Expect the slugger to be drafted in the early rounds of most drafts, as he's a consistent power option who's homered 89 times in the last three seasons.
The Oakland Athletics acquired right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in exchange for cash considerations. Honeywell was recently one of the top-rated pitching prospects, but multiple elbow injuries have derailed his progression. The 26-year-old was a second-rounder for the Rays in 2014, but since 2017, he has had four elbow surgeries. Honeywell was able to return this year and went 5-4 with a 3.97 ERA, two saves and 67 strikeouts in 31 games for Triple-A Durham, and he made his major league debut with Tampa while giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings over three games. When healthy, Honeywell has a nice four-pitch mix, and he's held hitters to a .232 average in 110 minor league appearances. It will be interesting to see if Oakland uses Honeywell in a relief role moving forward.
The New York Yankees have reportedly discussed the idea of trading for first baseman Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletics, though talks have not progressed to the point of determining what the player compensation would be in such a deal. Olson enjoyed an outstanding season in 2021, slashing .271/.371/.540 with 39 homers, four steals, 101 runs, and 111 RBI in 565 at-bats. The lefty swinger is not eligible for free agency until 2024. There may be room in the Bronx, as trade deadline acquisition Anthony Rizzo is now a free agent. It is expected that Oakland will move Olson this offseason, and rumors have been swirling about fellow Athletics Matt Chapman, Chris Bassitt, Sean Manaea, and Frankie Montas as well.
The New York Yankees have interest in trading for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson, who has been discussed in trades already this offseason. If the Yankees can't pry Olson away from the A's, re-signing Anthony Rizzo remains an option. SNY's Andy Martino on Monday said that Olson will "likely" be on the move this offseason. The A's are open for business and are looking to reset, even though Olson has two years left on his contract. In order to land Olson, who hit 39 home runs, drove in 111 runs, scored 101 runs and had a .911 OPS, the Yankees would likely have to include one of their top prospects in a package. Not only is Olson a budding superstar, but he's been durable and can play defense as well.