Anyone else tired of Freddie Freeman being mentioned by Atlanta Braves fans (or anyone for that matter) anytime Matt Olson struggles for a few games? If you answered yes you are not alone. In fact one of those who seem to be over the comparisons is first baseman Freddie Freeman himself.
During a media session for All-Star week Freeman was asked if he felt bad for Olson since Braves fans seem to always compare the two players. Freeman jokingly responded he didn't feel bad because Olson hits 50 home runs a year. He finished by telling fans to let Matt Olson be Matt Olson and that he's doing a wonderful job.
It was well said by the former Braves first baseman, because Olson's amazing 2025 season should be carrying more weight with the fanbase than it currently is. Any amount of time spent comparing Olson's 2025 season to Freeman's is doing a disservice to the amazing things Olson is doing on a nightly basis.
Freddie Freeman was asked about Matt Olson and him "following in Freddie's footsteps." Was asked if he feels for him getting the "Freddie this Freddie that"
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) July 15, 2025
"He's doing just fine. There's no comparison. He's hitting way more homeruns than me. Let Matt Olson be Matt Olson he's… pic.twitter.com/WVe6I4puLm
Matt Olson has been the best first baseman in baseball and more Braves fans need to act like it
If you were to pull up the Fangraphs leaderboards for Major League first baseman, you would see Atlanta's very own Matt Olson at the very top with a 2.9 fWAR. His 134 wRC+ paired with the stellar defense (96th percentile in OAA) he's flashed all season is all the proof we need to see that he's getting overlooked because the Braves are having a down year as a team.
The Braves have a lot of questions to answer in the second half of the season, but one thing is clear...Matt Olson is a cornerstone player for this team. Olson is baseball's iron-man playing in over 700 consecutive games, and when he gets hot the Braves have one of the strongest duos with him and Acuna Jr. in the middle of their lineup in baseball.
It's clear Freeman still holds a soft spot for Atlanta, and many fans share the same feelings. However, letting those feelings cloud your judgement when looking at Olson's performance is an act that's growing old amongst this fanbase. Hopefully, the more Matt Olson delivers on the diamond the less we have to hear the name of the man who held his job previously.