SAN DIEGO — In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across Major League Baseball, the San Diego Padres have officially signed former Atlanta Braves slugger Matt Olson to a massive four-year deal, sources confirm Monday morning. The blockbuster signing follows Olson’s unexpected contract fallout with the Braves earlier this offseason.
The Padres, seeking a major offensive boost after a disappointing 2024 campaign, have landed one of the league’s premier power hitters. Olson, a two-time All-Star and one of MLB’s most feared left-handed bats, reportedly inked a deal worth $120 million over four years, with performance incentives that could push the total value higher.
This signing marks a major shift for the Padres, who are making it clear they are in win-now mode. General Manager A.J. Preller wasted no time jumping at the opportunity after Olson’s negotiations with Atlanta collapsed over extension disagreements. Despite high hopes for a long-term stay in Atlanta following Freddie Freeman’s departure in 2022, Olson and the Braves front office were unable to align on contract terms, leading the first baseman to test free agency.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Olson to San Diego,” Preller said in a team statement. “His elite production, defensive skill at first base, and leadership in the clubhouse make him an ideal fit for our roster and long-term vision.”
Olson, 31, smashed 44 home runs last season with 115 RBIs while posting a .270 batting average. Known for his elite power and consistency, he brings a much-needed veteran presence to a Padres lineup featuring stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts.
“I’m excited for a new chapter in San Diego,” Olson said in a press release. “This organization is hungry to win, and I want to be part of something special.”
The Padres are expected to formally introduce Olson at a press conference later this week. With this move, San Diego is sending a clear message: they’re aiming to dethrone the Dodgers and make a serious World Series run in 2025.
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