ESPN's Jeff Passon reports "Atlanta and Oakland are negotiating a trade that would send star first baseman Matt Olsen to the Braves, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Oakland OFF Christian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, SP Ryan Cusick And SP Joy Estes will be received, sources told ESPN. Heavy running for Matt Olsson, the Braves' new first baseman."
One down, one to go.
Brian Cashman got himself an early shortstop (Isiah Kiner-Falefa) on Sunday in that five-player trade with the Minnesota Twins.
Now the New York Yankees general manager can focus on finding the first baseman. But he's not alone as a business market for Oakland A's slugger Matt Olsen.
Athletics Ken Rosenthal reports the Cleveland Guardians are "a team to watch. Deep Farm System (No. 8 in @Keithlaw's ranking), plus some financial flexibility. Looking for high-end and mid-level bats (OF, 1b)." as well as bullpen assists, with a preference for multi-year control. Among mixed teams for Athletics 1B Matt Olsen."
The 27-year-old Olsson made his All-Star debut in 2021, setting career-highs with 39 home runs and 111 RBIs. And Olsson is more than just another bat with a pair of Gold Glove Awards on his resume. According to Sportrack, Olsson is in control of the team until 2023.
Trading is one of three main options for Olsen for Cashman to consider. The other two are Freddie Freeman and Anthony Rizzo, both of which are available in the free-agent market.
John Heyman of MLB Network reported "The Yankees are pessimistic on Freeman, and haven't asked for Matt Olsen to ask for (Anthony) Volpe more. So Anthony Rizzo seems to be the most realistic for him now in 1B. And this Not so bad."