Athletics Send Braves’ Matt Olson Message As They Recruit For Las Vegas Move

BusinessSportsMoneyAthletics Send Braves’ Matt Olson Message As They Recruit For Las Vegas MoveByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorJun 15, 2026, 07:30am EDTATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 15: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves in the dugout before a game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on April 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Athletics' long-awaited move to Las Vegas has raised questions about stadium financing, the loyalty of longtime fans and relocation logistics.Increasingly, however, team officials are beginning to frame the move around a willingness to invest more in star players, and that recently shifted the spotlight to a star Atlanta Braves slugger.ForbesDodgers Breakout Star Breaks Silence On ‘Worry’ As Trump Order Bars FamilyBy Peter ChawagaAthletics Send Matt Olson Message After Atlanta Braves MoveMatt Olson, who was one of the Athletics’ most notable homegrown talents, departed before the club could build a long-term contender around him.That loss has been the Braves’ gain, as Olson has served as one of the most productive and consistent sluggers in the big leagues since joining them. But the Athletics' vision for Las Vegas, at least as outlined recently by team president Marc Badain, is one that would protect future stars like Olson from ever departing for another franchise. “It’s not like we didn’t try before,” Badain said of failing to retain star players while the Athletics were based in Oakland, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “I mean, we tried to sign [Matt] Olson... We just couldn’t make it happen.”MORE FOR YOUPointing to the Braves’ star as a key player who got away, Badain attempted to reassure fans that a move to Las Vegas would keep that from happening in the f...