When the 2026 season began, the Atlanta Braves' offense looked set for another historic year. The first two months were incredible, but they ran into a brick wall in June. Since then, the inconsistency has been really frustrating to watch. Key players aren't playing up to their standards, but the team has found a way to stay in first place in the NL East.
There are a couple of players who have put the team on their backs to ensure they have a fighting chance. Hopefully, that changes soon and more players start contributing more frequently. However, only a couple of Braves will find themselves in contention for a Silver Slugger Award.
The Braves have a couple viable Silver Slugger candidates in 2026, but don't expect the team to dominate the podiums
Matt Olson is one of the most obvious names in contention for this prestigious award given to the best hitting player at each position. Olson's average might sit a bit lower than expected at .259, but he has great on-base (.335) and slugging numbers (.535). Where Atlanta's first baseman shines is with his double and home run totals. He has 32 doubles (second-most in the NL) and 37 home runs (the most in the NL among first basemen).
Olson's 135 wRC+ is the third-best among NL first basemen behind Bryce Harper and Jake Bauers. Harper is one of the only players who could snub Olson for the award. Harper has the advantage in average, OBP, and wRC+. He also has more walks and fewer strikeouts. Regardless, Olson has an excellent case to win another Silver Slugger.
Drake Baldwin would be the next player with a strong chance of taking home a Silver Slugger in his sophomore season. He has a .274/.356/.456 slash line, with 13 doubles, 22 home runs, 66 RBI, and a 126 wRC+. His wRC+ ranks third-best among all MLB catchers. However, he will have a tough battle with Arizona's Gabriel Moreno and Colorado's Hunter Goodman having great seasons.
An honorable mention here should go to Michael Harris II, who is having a good season at the plate. He has a .292/.319/.487 slash line, 30 doubles, 21 homers, 72 RBI, and a 119 wRC+ (third best among NL CF).
The problem here? Harris is in the same league as MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong. There's no chance Harris steals the Silver Slugger from him this season, despite having a higher batting average and more doubles. Atlanta's talented center fielder still deserves some love for his impressive work this season.
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