VENICE, Fla. (AP) — Atlanta's trade for Matt Olson was designed to ensure the defending World Series champion Braves will be contenders in 2022.
Signing Olson to an eight-year deal only one day later was the foundation of a plan by general manager Alex Anthopoulos to keep Atlanta competitive through the decade.
As soon as it became clear the Braves and Freddie Freeman wouldn't reach a deal, Anthopoulos shifted to a new a long-term strategy.
“That was the thought,” Anthopoulos told The Associated Press on Thursday, adding he believed it was crucial the new contract for Olson be finalized before the introductory news conference for the first baseman.