The Atlanta Braves missed the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2017, ending a streak of seven straight postseason appearances. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Matt Olson remained one of Atlanta’s most reliable and underrated stars. The 31-year-old first baseman played in all 162 games for the fourth consecutive season, a testament to his durability.
Olson continued to produce at the plate, finishing with a .272 batting average, .366 on-base percentage, .850 OPS, 29 home runs and 95 RBIs while batting near the top of the Braves’ lineup. His steady presence makes him one of the league’s most valuable assets.
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Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28)Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
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 10-year career.
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Silver Slugger finalists and winners are determined by a vote among NL 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 again this season). Olson had big shoes to fill when he first arrived in Atlanta ahead of the 2022 season.
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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.
Related: Braves React to Matt Olson News After Missing MLB Playoffs
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.