"Matt Olson is better than Willy Adames" - Braves analyst claims Atlanta's $168,000,000 move to replace Freddie Freeman is a bargain on hindsight

Controversy arose ahead of the 2022 season as the Atlanta Braves traded for Matt Olson. The move came to fruition after the management elected not to extend club legend Freddie Freeman. Olson was a huge Braves fan growing up as he was born and raised in Atlanta. However, he drew flak from the team's faithful, as they preferred Freeman to stay in the Peach State.

During Thursday's episode of "Hammer Territory," Braves pundits Brad Rowland and Scott Coleman discussed how Olson's signing two years ago was a master stroke of genius by Braves' president of baseball of operations Alex Anthopoulos.

"Matt Olson is better than Willy Adames," said Rowland. (25:45-25:50)

They further elaborated on their claim by saying that given how the free agency market has moved, Olson's eight-year, $168 million deal was a bargain.

"As far as value is concerned, Olson's deal is better than that of Willy Adames'." (26:00-26:09)

"Atlanta's front office deserve a lot of credit for making savvy moves during the 2022 offseason." (25:20-25:34)

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Matt Olson's Braves tenure compared to Willy Adames' Brewers stint

Atlanta Braves analysts Brad Rowland and Scott Coleman cited Matt Olson's contract as a bargain compared to that of Willy Adames'. Braves signed Olson to a $168 million, eight-year contract ahead of the 2022 season. In comparison, the San Francisco Giants signed Willy Adames during this season's hot stove with a seven-year, $182 million deal.

In his three years with Atlanta, Olson has compiled a .257/.349/.513 with an OPS of .862. The first baseman has also tallied 117 home runs and 340 RBIs to boot. The 30-year-old has been selected as an All-Star, All-MLB Second Teamer, Silver Slugger, and MLB's RBI and home run leader.

Adames, meanwhile, tallied 107 home runs and 348 runs batted in to go with a .244/.323/.457 with an OPS of .780 during four seasons with Milwaukee. Apart from the 2024 season wherein he finished tenth in the MVP voting, he has yet to be selected to any All-Star games nor any All-MLB Team selections.

In terms of overall value, Olson's contract seems to be the more valuable one given the stats and accomplishments he has made through his tenure in Atlanta.