Coveted (now former) Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson grew up in the Atlanta area, so you would think a trade to the Braves would be exciting for him. Well, when news came down Monday that he’s going there in exchange for outfielder Cristian Pache, catcher Shea Langeliers, and pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes, he called it “bittersweet.”
“I can’t say enough to the A’s organization and what they’ve done for me,” Olson said. “I’ve been here since 2012 so almost 10 years, my whole baseball career. It’s bittersweet leaving.
“I know Atlanta is an amazing place, World Series champs, my hometown, so if there was one place to go and leave here, that’s the place to do it. I’m excited about it. There’s a lot of good friendships here that I’m saying bye to, like I said it’s bittersweet but I’m excited about what’s to come.”
The 27-year-old was born in Atlanta and grew up about 20 miles north in Lilburn. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner with a .252 average and .859 OPS with 142 homers over six seasons; last season he notched 39 dingers and 111 RBI.
“It is hard to overstate his impact on the organization,” said A’s GM David Forst. “This is the reality of our situation and why it’s imperative we get a new ballpark. Matt Olson is a great player and he will be missed by fans, everyone in the clubhouse, and those of us that had to deliver the news today.”
