Braves' Gold Glove finalist nods include polarizing bat that got replaced

Steven Teal

New York Mets v Atlanta Braves / Todd Kirkland/GettyImages

Atlanta Braves fans won't think very much about the failure that was the 2025 season. There wasn't very much to be excited for, and most have probably already shifted their focus to 2026. However, there were some moments worth celebrating, and Atlanta's defense was a part of them. Two Braves infielders learned they were nominated for their excellent defense.

It shouldn't surprise anyone who actually watched the Braves in 2025 that Matt Olson and Nick Allen were both named as finalists for the Gold Glove at their respective positions.

#Braves' 1B Matt Olson and SS Nick Allen are Gold Glove finalists. FYI, other finalists at 1B are Philly's Bryce Harper and Cincy's Spencer Steer, and at SS, Cardinals' Masyn Winn and Dodgers' Mookie Betts.

Olson should win easily, and Allen seems to have at least a decent shot.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 15, 2025

Matt Olson and Nick Allen receive Gold Glove finalist nods

Olson is nominated alongside Bryce Harper and Spencer Steer for first base. Allen is nominated at shortstop with Masyn Winn and Mookie Betts.

This should be an easy win for Olson, who led Major League Baseball in defensive runs saved and outs above average most of the season. He ended the season with a 17 DRS (the best in baseball by eight points) and a 9 OAA, which was second best in baseball.

Allen has a great case for winning the award, but his competition is much more fierce. Atlanta's shortstop ended the season with a 12 DRS and an OAA of 17. Those numbers were ranked third among all MLB shortstops in each respective category.

It would be nice for Allen to be recognized for his incredible defense this season. There were some incredible plays made, and it was enjoyable to witness them. Being nominated is still a high honor, but being benched due to his poor batting likely ruined his chances of winning.

We doubt anyone expected him to be mentioned in any award category at the beginning of the season. Olson isn't any surprise at all, as he is well-known for being incredible on defense. No offense to Steer or Harper, but it would be a massive snub if they won a Gold Glove over Atlanta's first baseman this year.

Steven Teal

Co-Expert at House That Hank Built. I've been writing about Braves baseball since 2018 and 5 of those years have been with HTHB. I received an undergraduate degree in Sport Managment while attending Georgia Southern University. I also hold a Master of Arts in Communication. My love for sport journalism began during my time in college and it's only grown over the years. I love nothing more than covering the Atlanta Braves and bringing my thoughts to the best fan base in baseball. Some of my time is also spent writing about the Red Sox over at BoSox Injection.