Most Braves fans are still getting over the fact that Freddie Freeman will not be playing in Atlanta next season. I completely understand that. It’s going to take a little while to get used to; once people get an up-close look at what Matt Olson brings to the table, they might realize the Braves are in an even better position to repeat as champions.
Olson mashed 39 homers for the A’s last season. That’s impressive by itself, but it’s even more eye-popping when considering he played half of his games in Oakland, one of the more pitcher-friendly parks in the league. As a left-handed bat in Atlanta, he will benefit tremendously. Olson will have the short porch to his right, where he should have no problem peppering the Chop House. Just take a look at this spray chart from him last season overlaid at Truist Park.
On a positive note, I think Matt Olson is really gonna like the RF porch at Truist. Here’s his 2021 spray chart overlayed in Truist. pic.twitter.com/QPEQyyiOpH
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) March 14, 2022
In a more hitter-friendly ballpark with power surrounding him in the order, there’s no reason Olson shouldn’t easily crush 40 bombs next season. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit 50. This is a 28-year-old that is just entering his prime, and while his situation in Oakland wasn’t abysmal, he couldn’t dream of a better situation than the one he is walking into with Atlanta. Because of all the talent around him, opposing pitchers won’t have a choice but to attack Olson, which will result in a plethora of balls reaching the seats. Get excited, Atlanta. Somehow this Braves lineup just got even more powerful.
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Photo:Â Aric Becker/Icon Sportswire
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