When the trade went down in March 2022, the city of Atlanta was essentially in mourning. Freddie Freeman, the face of the franchise and the hero of the 2021 World Series, was gone. Taking his place was a local kid from Parkview High School. Replacing a legend is usually a thankless job, but the Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson didn’t just show up; he became an iron man in a sport that suddenly loves to rest its stars.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild. While most of MLB is obsessed with "load management" and "rest days," Olson is a throwback. He just plays. Every. Single. Day.
Heading into the 2026 season, he’s carrying a consecutive games streak that feels like something out of the 1990s. As of early 2026, he’s sitting at 782 straight games. That puts him 12th on the all-time list. In an era where a hangnail can land a guy on the 10-day IL, Olson is basically a glitch in the system.
Why Matt Olson is the Foundation of the Infield
You’ve probably heard the stats, but they bear repeating because they explain why the front office didn't blink when they handed him that $168 million extension. In 2023, he broke the franchise record for home runs in a single season with 54. That wasn’t just a "good year." It was historic.
But it’s not just about the long ball.
If you watch him closely at Truist Park, it’s the defense that really saves the Braves' pitching staff. People forget he’s a three-time Gold Glove winner. He just picked up his most recent one in 2025.
The 2025 Campaign by the Numbers
Last year was a bounce-back of sorts. While 2024 was "fine" by most standards, Olson really locked back in during the 2025 season. He posted a .272 batting average and a .350 OPS. He led the National League in doubles with 41.
- Games Played: 162 (standard for him)
- Home Runs: 29
- RBIs: 95
- Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): 17
He’s 31 now. Usually, that’s when first basemen start to slow down or move to DH. Not Olson. He’s actually getting more efficient. His 17 DRS in 2025 was one of the highest marks of his career. It’s why new manager Walt Weiss—who took over for Brian Snitker—can basically write Olson’s name in ink at the start of every series and never think about it again.
The Weird "Odd-Year" Theory
There is this running joke among Braves fans and some analysts like Fred Owens that Olson has a cycle. He seems to go nuclear in odd-numbered years (2021, 2023, 2025) and plays a bit more "human" in even years.
Is it real? Probably not. It’s likely just the natural variance of baseball.
But if the pattern holds, 2026 might be a year where he focuses more on the gap-to-gap power rather than chasing 50 homers again. The "Bat" projection systems are being conservative, predicting around 30 homers and a .245 average for the 2026 season. But projections usually underestimate guys who don't take days off.
More Than Just a Power Hitter
What most people get wrong about the Atlanta Braves first baseman is thinking he's just a "three true outcomes" guy (walks, strikeouts, homers).
He actually has a massive impact on the community that gets overshadowed by the flashy home run highlights. Since he’s a local Lilburn kid, he’s deeply invested in the area. He’s been a huge advocate for Autism awareness, partnering with organizations like Reclif. It’s not just for show; he’s been doing it since his days in Oakland.
The Contract Situation
The Braves have him locked up through 2029 with a club option for 2030. At $22 million a year, it’s looking like one of the most team-friendly deals in baseball given the rising market.
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- Consistency: He hasn't missed a game since May 2021.
- Leadership: He’s the anchor for guys like Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies.
- Local Ties: He actually wants to be in Atlanta.
What to Watch for in 2026
The big question for the current season is how the lineup protection affects him. With Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II healthy, pitchers can’t just pitch around Olson.
If Austin Riley stays healthy behind him, Olson is going to see a lot of fastballs. Last year, he was ejected for the first time in his career in September. It was a shocker. He’s usually the coolest guy on the field. That fire might be a sign that he's feeling the pressure of being the veteran leader now.
Look for his walk rate. When Olson is right, he’s taking 80+ walks a year. When he’s pressing, he chases the low-and-away slider.
The Atlanta Braves first baseman position is the most stable spot on the roster. While the Braves are retooling the rotation and looking for more outfield depth, first base is a "set it and forget it" situation.
If you're looking to track his progress this season, keep an eye on his "exit velocity" stats on Baseball Savant. Even when he’s in a slump, he usually ranks in the top 5% of the league for how hard he hits the ball.
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Keep a close eye on the interleague matchups this year. Olson historically crushes American League pitching, a leftover habit from his years in Oakland. If the Braves are going to make a deep playoff run in 2026, it won't be because of a mid-season trade. It’ll be because the guy who never takes a day off stayed healthy for 162 more.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Track the Streak: Follow the "Active Iron Man" trackers to see if Olson can break into the top 10 all-time consecutive games list this season.
- Watch the Shift: Since the shift was restricted, Olson’s batting average on balls in play (BABIP) has stabilized; watch if he continues to utilize the opposite field in 2026.
- Check the Matchups: Monitor his performance against left-handed specialists, as his ability to stay in the lineup depends on his 2025 improvement against southpaws.