Braves' Matt Olson News Emerges Amid MLB Offseason

As Olson enters the offseason preparing for what the Braves anticipate is a bounce-back year in 2026, the first baseman received a prestigious honor. Louisville Slugger announced the National League finalists for the Silver Slugger Award. Olson was listed as one of three finalists alongside Pete Alonso of the New York Mets and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves congratulated Olson along with his teammate, third baseman Austin Riley. “Matt Olson and Austin Riley are Silver Slugger Award finalists!” the team wrote on X. If Olson takes home the award, it would mark the second Silver Slugger of his ten-year career.

Silver Slugger finalists and winners are determined by a vote among National League managers and coaches. Each team submits four ballots, one from the manager and three from coaches of their choosing. Voters consider offensive metrics such as OPS, OPS+, home runs, RBIs, batting average, total bases and runs, along with their overall impressions of a player’s offensive value.

Olson has continued to be honored for his efforts on the baseball diamond. Olson has three All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards (with the chance at a third after he was nominated for a Gold Glove in 2025 again). Olson had big shoes to fill when he first arrived in Atlanta ahead of the 2022 season.

Since then, he has not disappointed and lived up fully to the eight-year, $168 million contract he signed after being shipped to the Braves from the Athletics. As the Braves look to regroup and return to contention in 2026, Olson remains a trusted presence expected to lead the way with his experience and steady production.