"Stop dogging Matt Olson" - Braves insider urges fans to stop targeting 2x All-Star amid Freddie Freeman's Dodgers success

After Freddie Freeman left the Atlanta Braves to join the LA Dodgers in 2022, Atlanta found a replacement in Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics. Olson has performed well for the Braves, but he has copped criticism following the recent success of Freeman.

Braves insider Lindsay Crosby addressed the criticism directed toward the first baseman on his "Braves Today" podcast. Crosby called for fans to stop targeting the two-time All-Star.

"I'm not telling you what to think about Freddie Freeman," said Crosby (28:14). "You can like him, you can dislike him—whatever. You can blame his agent, you can blame him, whatever you want to do. But I am saying you need to stop dogging Matt Olson at the same time."

Crosby highlighted Olson's impressive performances for the Braves after moving from Oakland.

"Matt Olson has been very good with the Atlanta Braves. He was a fourth-place MVP finisher last year. He has hit 117 home runs in three seasons in Atlanta. He has 340 RBIs in three seasons in Atlanta, and he's never missed a game. He's played every single game all three seasons he's been in Atlanta. You can think whatever you want to think of Freeman, but don't do it at Olson's expense."

Olson was productive in the 2024 season, though it was a far cry from his outstanding displays in 2023. Olson hit an impressive 54 home runs last season and drove in 139 RBIs, finishing with a batting average of .283 and earning fourth place in the MVP voting.

However, his numbers declined significantly this season. He hit 29 home runs and recorded 98 RBIs. His batting average dropped to .247.

Braves insider on Freddie Freeman's Hall of Fame prospects

Freddie Freeman has built a Hall of Fame career, highlighted by eight All-Star selections, a 2021 World Series championship and the 2020 NL MVP award. He also has two All-MLB First Teamc and three All-MLB Second Team selections to go with a Gold Glove, three Silver Sluggers, the NL Hank Aaron, and the Babe Ruth award.

Most of Freeman's success came with Atlanta, but Lindsay Crosby doesn't think he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Brave.

"I think that Freddy Freeman ends up pulling a Greg Maddux and going into the Hall of Fame with a blank cap because he will have had two cities where he performed very well - a Hall of Fame career," he said (27:30). "Obviously, I'm expecting him to have won a World Series in both cities, and he's had some big postseason moments in LA."

Freddie Freeman's Dodgers have taken a 3-0 lead in the World Series against the Yankees. Freeman has homered in all three games and is the favorite to win the 2024 World Series MVP award.