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Braves Announce Matt Olson News This Week

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan D Adams | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 12:22 PM ET

Things have not gone as planned for the Atlanta Braves this season, but Matt Olson continues to be a bright spot amid the team's woes. Olson filled in for an injured Ronald Acuna Jr. representing the Braves when Atlanta hosted the Home Run Derby.

Now, Olson is being honored among the most respected players in baseball. The Braves announced on Tuesday that Olson is the team's award winner for the Heart and Hustle honor. Olson will now compete against every team's nominee to win the overall MLB award.

"Congratulations to @mattolson21 for being named our 2025 @MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award Winner!" the Braves posted on X.

Matt Olson has been named one of the winners of the 2025 Heart and Hustle award pic.twitter.com/f70RDH6TCS
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) August 5, 2025

Braves Star Matt Olson's Heart and Hustle Award Explained

Through 114 appearances, Olson is hitting .259 with 68 RBI and 18 home runs for the Braves. The Heart and Hustle award is voted on by current and past MLB players. It is an award that honors players' work on and off the field.

Congratulations to @mattolson21 for being named our 2025 @MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award Winner! pic.twitter.com/7iOhUm7TUh
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 5, 2025

"Created by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association in 2005, the Heart & Hustle Award is voted on by Alumni and active Major League players and is presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game," the MLB detailed regarding the Heart and Hustle award.

"The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, comprised of Alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each major league team is chosen by the committees based on the passion, desire, and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field."

What to Expect From the Braves to Close Out 2025

Heading into the team's series against the Miami Marlins on Friday, the Braves are 48-66 and well out of the MLB playoff race. Olson spoke about receiving the Heart and Hustle honor.

“It’s special to get awards like that,” Olson said, per MLB.com. “I try to play the game the right way and come out here and compete the right way.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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