The Atlanta Braves have an extremely talented roster, despite how things went in 2025. There are plenty of great players to watch every day. However, there are some big names that need to show up for the Braves to have a great season in 2026. Matt Olson is one of those players who could make a massive impact this year.
Olson has been a constant in the lineup since he was acquired in a trade from the A's. All he has done since is be a Gold Glove defender and one of the most potent power hitters in baseball. He broke the franchise record for home runs and RBI in a single season in 2023 with 54 round trippers and 133 RBI.
Matt Olson's first month could impact how the team performs in 2026
The offense was absolutely incredible that season, and it's safe to say that Olson was a massive part of that success. Atlanta will need their best from their first baseman this season if they hope to get back on track.
Braves fans hope that Olson gets off to a hot start this year. It took him some time to get on track last season. Olson batted .234 and .243, respectively, to begin the 2025 campaign. Once June arrived, he was more himself the rest of the way.
There's a reason he earned a spot in the All-Star game. From June through September, Olson had a .290 average with 119 hits, including 30 doubles, 17 homers, 64 RBI, and an .884 OPS. If his first two months had been better, Olson might have competed for the NL MVP.
Things look good so far as he slugged well this spring. The lefty slashed .320/.358/.720 over 17 games (50 at-bats), with 16 hits (two doubles and six homers), 10 RBI, and a 1.078 OPS. That's exactly the tone Atlanta needs him to set during the first month of the season.
He does need to work on striking out less and walking more, but that's to be expected out of most power bats. If he can improve those stats while keeping up his spring performance, the rest of the league better watch out.
If he struggles early on, it could spell disaster for the Braves. With the team's depth being tested already, they'll want to cut down on any concerns possible.