While it has been fun to talk about his insane numbers during day games for some reason, the reality is that Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson is putting together quite the hot streak in general. In the 16 games Olson has played so far in the month of September, he has posted a .383/.441/.850 line and is an early favorite to win NL Player of the Month for the final month of the 2025 season.
That is quite the turnaround for a guy that Braves fans have given a hard time on more than one occasion since the Braves traded for him. Admittedly, Olson's first half where he was hitting "only" .262 included some long stretches where he disappeared, but it is nice to see him bounce back and remind everyone why Olson is considered one of the best first basemen in baseball.
More importantly, Olson's strong end to the season bodes extremely well for the Braves' chances of rebounding in 2026.
End of Matt Olson's 2025 season could hopefully carry over to next season and the Braves absolutely need it
We can talk all we want to about the margins of the Braves' roster and the need for changes. Yes, Atlanta needs to add some starting pitching depth and a bullpen overhaul would be very welcome as well. However, the Braves are going to live or die based on how their stars play next season. They were hurt and/or underperformed this year, but Olson's surge is a reminder of what the team is capable of when they are firing on all cylinders.
With a normal offseason and some rest, most agree that Ronald Acuña Jr. probably be among baseball's elite again in 2026. Austin Riley's injury situation has been unfortunate and one hopes that there are no lasting effects. Michael Harris II remains a question mark and Ozzie Albies' comeback has provided some cautious optimism. However, to make this offense really click, Atlanta needs this version of Olson.
As a result, it is great to see that Olson is seeing the ball so well and that he is making hard contact seemingly at will. His swing appears to be in a good place and that gives him something to focus on maintaining during the offseason. If Olson can be anywhere close to the version of himself we have seen in the second half, the Braves are going to be very scary again. If not, there is just so much more that has to go right and as fans have seen the last couple of years, that is far from a sure thing.