In news from the 2021 World Series champion Atlanta Braves as they prepare to open their 2022 season –
The Braves signed its new first baseman Matt Olson on Tuesday to an eight-year contract worth $168 million which runs through the 2029 season, with a $20 million club option for 2030. Olson, an Atlanta native, will receive $15 million in 2022, $21 million in 2023, and $22 million through the remainder of the deal. He has also agreed to donate $1.68 million to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.The Braves acquired Olson on Monday in a four-player deal with the Oakland Athletics. It brought the Freddie Freeman era to a close.
In addition, pitcher Collin McHugh – a former Berry College baseball player – was signed to a two-year contract worth $10 million guaranteed with a $6 million club option for 2024 which includes a $1 million buyout. He is set to make $4 million this season and $5 million in 2023. He has also committed to donate one percent of his salary to the foundation. McHugh has played for several MLB teams, most recently the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
The countdown continues to Opening Day – there are now just 22 days until the Braves open up their 2022 regular season on Thursday, April 7th at Truist Park in Atlanta against the Cincinnati Reds. Catch every pitch as the Braves aim to defend their ’21 World Series title over the airwaves of WLAQ 1410 AM/96.9 FM. Tune in for Spring Training coverage over the weekend from the Braves Radio Network. The team will head to Port Charlotte, FL to face the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. They will be on their home field in North Port to take on the Philadelphia Phillies this Sunday afternoon. First pitch of both games is set for 1:05 pm; air time is 12:55 pm.