UNDATED (AP) — After cutting ties with Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta Braves have signed new first baseman Matt Olson to a $168 million, eight-year contract.
Olson was not eligible for free agency until after the 2023 season. But the World Series champions quickly locked down the 27-year-old slugger through at least 2029. The deal also includes a $20 million club option for 2030 with no buyout.
The Braves dealt four top prospects to Oakland for Olson, and quickly signed the 2021 All-Star to the biggest deal in team history.
In other developments from spring training:
— Anthony Rizzo is staying with the New York Yankees, agreeing to a $32 million, two-year contract. A three-time All-Star, Rizzo was acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs on July 29 and added a left-handed bat to a heavily right-handed batting order in New York. Rizzo also provided plate discipline and smooth fielding at first, where he has won two Gold Gloves.
— The Chicago Cubs have finalized a $4 million, one-year contract with slick-fielding 32-year-old shortstop Andrelton Simmons. His .981 career fielding percentage ranks third best in baseball among active shortstops.
— The Phillies finalized one-year contracts with right-handed reliever Jeurys Familia and left-handed reliever Brad Hand.
