The way some Atlanta Braves fans talk about Matt Olson online, you would think he is the worst first baseman in baseball. The blinders are still there for some who are upset Freddie Freeman didn't stay with the organization.
However, Olson has continued to be a huge factor for Atlanta in 2025. He's having a Gold Glove season in the field, and while his bat started slow, he's been one of the hottest hitters in baseball in the second half.
Olson has taken off in August and September, especially. Olson finished August with a .302/.374/.466 slash line, including three homers, 10 doubles, nine RBI, and a 135 wRC+. Olson hasn't shown any signs of slowing down as he's batting .340 over his last 15 games with 18 hits, including one double, one triple, four homers, eight RBI, and a 1.032 OPS.
Believe it or not there's an even more impressive and interesting stat accomplished by Atlanta's first baseman in 2025. According to Braves insider David O'Brien, when Olson hit his solo homer against the Astros on Sunday, he continued his remarkable streak of hitting a homer during a day game.
Matt Olson is apparently basically Babe Ruth during day games and Braves fans love it
This was Olson's 25th home run of the season and number 284 in his career. Interestingly enough, 116 of those home runs have been during 430 day games between the A's and Braves.
O'Brien pointed out that the only player with more homers during daytime games is Aaron Judge. No surprise there. It's bizarre that Olson has averaged a home run once every 15.8 plate appearances in day games.
Clearly, there is something about day games that Olson likes more than night games, where he homers once every 19.6 plate appearances. which is almost four fewer games to hit a home run. So, if you're hoping to see a Braves homer, find a day game and expect Olson to deliver.
It's fitting that Olson would have such a strange stat to follow in what has been a bizarre season overall. However, he's been a really bright spot, despite his lower homer rate. He's worked on making more contact, and it's helped him excel in high-leverage situations.
Considering where he started the season, it's been really impressive to watch. He's been exactly what the Braves hoped he'd be and more.