Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson has been nothing but spectacular since he was acquired from the A's. There were skeptics in the beginning due to how loved Freddie Freeman was. However, Olson quickly showed why he is just as valuable as the former face of the franchise.
Olson is a great clubhouse leader, an incredible defender, and hits some majestic homers. It only took the lefty slugger two seasons to break franchise records, and he has continued to be a force in the offense ever since.
Olson continues to be incredibly durable, as he hasn't missed a game since coming to Atlanta. He has also set himself up among the ranks of some of the franchise's best.
Matt Olson's incredible performance has positioned himself among Braves royalty
Olson is on pace to surpass Eddie Matthews for the most home runs in the first five seasons with the Braves. Other players in the top five? Hank Aaron, Bob Horner, and Wally Berger. That's some excellent company to keep.
most home runs in first five seasons with the Braves:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 12, 2026
Eddie Mathews: 190
Matt Olson: 181
Henry Aaron: 140
Bob Horner: 138
Wally Berger: 135
h/t @EliasSports https://t.co/ZmOcxAfctp
Not only has he reached that impressive feat, but he's also 10th in rWAR in the divisional era (since 1969) with Atlanta. This has Olson just behind Ozzie Albie, Ronald Acuna Jr., Joe Torre, Eddie Matthews, Freddie Freeman, Dale Murphy, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, and Hank Aaron. If it wasn't already obvious how good he has been for the Braves, that should leave no doubt.
Olson had a couple of months this season when he struggled, but overall he has been incredible with 29 doubles, 35 homers, and a 139 wRC+. The Athletic's Jesús Cano pointed out that "Olson's 64 extra-base hits this season are four more than any other player, and 10 of his long balls have come in the eighth inning or later, surpassing Dillon Dingler and Hunter Goodman for the most in the league."
A lot of his success has come with two outs, as indicated by his .283 average in 104 plate appearances. Olson has also been insanely good in the ninth inning, with a .395 average over 47 plate appearances.
Olson has a long way to go to hit 50 homers this season, but he is absolutely a lock for a 40-home-run season unless he really drops off. Should Olson keep playing this way, he may very well end up being one of the best players to ever wear a Braves uniform.
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