Atlanta Braves superstar Matt Olson had an MVP caliber season in 2023. He showcased a great deal of power by leading all of Major League Baseball in home runs (54) and runs batted in (139). Those home run and RBI totals also helped Matt set franchise records. Olson also sported a .283 batting average which is nothing to sneeze at. So what can Matt Olson not do? According to his teammates, run fast.
Olson's lack of speed became a running joke throughout the 2023 season. Bally Sports: Braves on X posted a hilarious interview featuring Matt Olson himself and a few of his Atlanta teammates.
𝗔𝗺 𝗜 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁? 💨
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) February 17, 2024
Matt Olson asked the question about his speed.
We tried to find the answer. pic.twitter.com/KH0ARnjK5e
When Olson was asked if he would consider himself fast he responded with a smirk while he stated "No, but I take good angles."
While Max Fried, Tyler Matzek, Travis d'Arnaud and A.J. Minter discussed Olson's speed (or the lack thereof), his 3 triples from last season were highlighted. Matzek referred to all of the three-baggers as "luck" and hilariously took a subtle punch at Sean Murphy's speed as well saying "Speed was not a point of emphasis for the guys we got from Oakland."
Braves relief pitcher A.J. Minter also issued a challenge that fans need to see settled during Spring Training. Minter says he believes he is faster than Matt Olson. Here is to hoping that we can confirm or deny this accusation before the regular season begins.
Olson broke down his triples and pointed out a couple of different celebrations. In his third and final triple of 2023, you can see Olson look towards the Atlanta Braves dugout holding up the number 3 to remind them that he can get around the bases when he needs to.
Matt mentioned that he specifically aimed the 3 at Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Travis is one of the Atlanta players who gives Olson a hard time in the clubhouse. Even Ron Washington got in on the fun and backed up Olson by flashing the number 3 into the Atlanta dugout.
Olson's current Atlanta teammates are not the only ones who give him a hard time about his lack of speed. In Oakland, Olson played with infielder Joey Wendle, now with the Miami Marlins. When Olson ripped a triple against Miami, he looked at his former teammate and asked, "Am I fast?" to get back at Wendle's original trash talk.
Matt Olson's three triples in 2023 was the most he has had in a single season so far in his career. Hopefully 2024 will be filled with more Matt Olson homers and more slow motion triples.
No one has ever accused Matt Olson of being the fastest player in baseball but it's a lot of fun to see him and the Braves having fun on the field whenever he showcases his baserunning skills. This likely isn't the last time fans will see these kinds of shenanigans on the field.