Matt Olson living up to reputation, powering Braves to hot start

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Matt Olson living up to reputation, powering Braves to hot start

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 2:47 PM ET

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson continues to uphold his status as a durable, elite power hitter. The three-time All-Star hit his ninth home run in a walk-off victory over the Detroit Tigers on April 29.

Matt Olson is running the show

Olson is batting .306 with 28 RBI and a 175 wRC+ and is on pace to exceed his numbers from 2025.

Olson currently ranks third in the National League in RBI and continues to be a workhorse and an instrumental part of the Braves' offense. His red-hot start has him in position to challenge his career-best numbers.

Olson is also one of three MLB players this season to record 13 doubles. The difference is that each of the other two players have just one home run apiece.

The only players with 13 doubles this season:

Ernie Clement – 1 HR
Taylor Ward – 1 HR
Matt Olson – NINE HR

The Braves' first baseman has been SLUGGING this year! pic.twitter.com/pQTVvYHYda
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) April 30, 2026

Olson has continued to maintain durability, having not missed a game since May 2, 2021. His ''Iron Man'' status only adds to his value as a consistent run-producer.

Cementing his status as a middle-of-the-order threat for the Braves, he has helped the club to an MLB-best 22-9 record.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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