Braves' Matt Olson is rapidly emerging as an MVP contender

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Braves' Matt Olson is rapidly emerging as an MVP contender

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 4:29 PM ET

All of the recent talk regarding the race for National League MVP has surrounded Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

There is another player, though, who is rapidly emerging as a serious candidate to snag the first MVP award of his career, and that is Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson.

Matt Olson is having a stellar season

Olson smashed his 36th home run of the season on Sunday, tying Yordan Alvarez for the second most in the majors this season.

He is still a good bit away from his career high of 54 that he hit back in 2023, but it has still been an incredible season for Olson in his fifth season with the Braves.

At the conclusion of Sunday's win, Olson is slashing .264/.340/.551, good for an OPS of .891 with 30 doubles, 36 home runs and 77 RBI.

most home runs in first five seasons with the Braves:

Eddie Mathews: 190
Matt Olson: 182
Henry Aaron: 140
Bob Horner: 138
Wally Berger: 135

h/t @EliasSports https://t.co/bHuhApRo7T
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 16, 2026

The NL MVP race should be a three-player conversation

Olson isn't quite hitting for average the way Ohtani or Crow-Armstrong are, but he is slugging a lot more while also playing better defense at first base than any other player in the majors.

With just under 40 games remaining in the regular season, Olson has an opportunity to go on a hot streak and firmly cement himself in the middle of the MVP conversations alongside Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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