Freddie Freeman will always have a place in Atlanta Braves fans’ hearts.
He went through a lot with the team and helped make it competitive for over 10 years he stayed there.
He won an MVP award in 2020 and the World Series in 2021, his last season with the organization before leaving via free agency for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves decided to move on with a younger alternative in Matt Olson.
Olson doesn’t quite have Freeman’s contact ability.
He is comparable to him in overall offensive output, though, because Olson’s power is superior.
The owner of a sweet, power-oriented lefty swing, Olson hit 39 homers in 2021 and 34 last year, his first campaign with the Braves.
He is going for a similar number this season, but he would love to increase that .240 batting average too.
Power is his game, though.
He is certainly showing as much in Friday’s spring training action.
We are busting out the audio for this one. Matt Olson GARGANTUAN blast leaves the stadium for his SECOND homer of the game. 1.538 OPS this Spring pic.twitter.com/1UBDY89KV0
— Gaurav (@gvedak) March 17, 2023
Olson has two homers in Friday’s contest and is up to five in the spring.
We would say his swing is just about ready for the season.
He has compiled an impressive 1.538 OPS in 27 March at-bats, with 12 hits and seven of them for extra-base hits.
He is a perfect lineup presence for the Braves and his approach meshes well with Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and other powerful hitters.
Besides his obvious raw power, Olson knows how to take a walk, plays good defense at first base, and is an excellent teammate.
He is no Freeman, but he has fit perfectly in Atlanta and should have more productive years as a major leaguer left than the man he replaced.
NEXT:
Braves Star Eager To Join The 40-40 Club
