Matt Olson is a professional baseball first baseman for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is one of the most powerful hitters in the game, and he is also a solid defender. Olson is a two-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner.
Olson was born and raised in Lilburn, Georgia. He attended Parkview High School, where he was a standout baseball player. Olson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2016 and quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the game.
Details about Matt Olson’s Background:
- Name: Matt Olson
- Position: First baseman
- Height: 6′ 5″
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: Atlanta Braves
- Born: March 29, 1994
- Nationality: American
- Previous clubs: Oakland Athletics
In 2019, Olson had a breakout season, batting .267 with 36 home runs and 89 RBIs. He was also named to the All-Star team for the first time. Olson continued to perform at a high level in 2020, hitting 14 home runs in just 60 games.
In 2021, Olson was named to the All-Star team for the second time. He had a career-high .271 batting average, and he hit 39 home runs and drove in 111 RBIs. Olson also won the Gold Glove award at first base.
After the 2021 season, Olson was traded to the Atlanta Braves. He is one of the most popular players in baseball, and he is known for his all-around play, his work ethic, and his positive attitude. Olson is also a role model for young players everywhere.
Olson is a two-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. He is one of the most powerful hitters in the game, and he is also a solid defender. Olson is a role model for young players everywhere.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Matt Olson:
- Olson is a power hitter, meaning he has a lot of strength and can hit the ball far and hard. He can hit 30-40 home runs per season and drive in a lot of runs. He has led the league in home runs once (2023) and has hit over 50 home runs in a single season once (2023).
- He is a patient hitter, meaning he has a good eye for the strike zone and can draw walks. He can work the count and wait for his pitch. He has led the league in walks once (2019) and has a career on-base percentage of .361.
- He is a versatile player, meaning he can play multiple positions on the field. He plays mostly first base for the Braves, but he can also play third base or outfield if needed. He has won one Gold Glove Award for his defense at first base (2018).
- He sometimes struggles with strikeouts, meaning he swings and misses a lot or gets called out on strikes. He can be fooled by breaking balls or off-speed pitches. He has struck out over 100 times in seven seasons and has a career strikeout rate of 23.7%.
- He can be inconsistent, meaning he goes through hot and cold streaks at the plate. He can hit well for a month or two, then slump for another month or two. He can also be affected by injuries or fatigue, which can lower his production.
Tactical Role of Matt Olson:
- Olson usually bats fourth or fifth for the Braves, providing protection for Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman. He can drive in runs with his power or move runners along with his contact. He can also draw walks or hit doubles to get on base himself.
- He plays first base for the Braves, anchoring the infield defense and helping his pitchers. He can make plays on ground balls or pop-ups, as well as catch throws from other infielders. He can also start or complete double plays with his arm.
- He is a key part of the Braves’ core, along with Acuña, Freeman, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley. They form one of the most potent lineups in baseball, combining power, speed, and contact. They also have great chemistry and camaraderie, supporting each other on and off the field.
- He is also a fan favorite and a role model for many young players, especially in Atlanta. He represents his city and his culture with pride and joy. He is one of the best power hitters in MLB history.
Hobbies & Interests of Matt Olson:
- He enjoys playing golf, especially in the offseason, when he likes to travel to different courses and challenge himself. He has a handicap of 10 and has played with other MLB players and celebrities, such as Justin Timberlake.
- He loves spending time with his family, especially his wife Nicole and their daughter Audrey. He often posts photos and videos of his family on social media, showing his affection and pride.
- He is passionate about helping his community, especially in Atlanta and Oakland. He has donated money, food, and equipment to various organizations and causes, such as the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the COVID-19 pandemic relief.
- He admires fellow first baseman Freddie Freeman, who he considers the best player at his position. He met Freeman in the 2021 All-Star Game and received advice from him on how to improve his game and handle fame.
- He is interested in learning new skills, such as playing the piano and cooking. He has taken lessons from his teammates and friends, and has shared some of his progress on social media.
Net worth of Matt Olson:
According to various online sources, Matt Olson has a net worth of around $123 million as of 2023. He earned most of his money from his professional baseball career, especially after signing an eight-year, $168 million contract extension with the Braves in 2022. He also has endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Rawlings.
Personal life of Matt Olson:
Matt Olson was born on March 29, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, where he played first base and pitched for the Parkview Panthers, leading them to back-to-back state championships in 2011 and 2012. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2016. He played for the Athletics until 2021, when he was traded to the Braves prior to the 2022 season.
Olson married his longtime girlfriend Nicole Olson in November 2021. She is a retail tenant advisor and associate at Jones Lang LaSalle, a commercial real estate services company. She was born to Martin and Jackie Hiller Kidder in Johns Creek, Georgia, on June 18, 1995. She attended Johns Creek High School and the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
Olson is a fan of Jeff Francoeur, a former Braves outfielder who wore the No. 21 jersey. Olson also wore No. 21 in high school and in memory of Francoeur, but he switched to No. 28 when he joined the Athletics because Stephen Vogt was already wearing No. 21. He continued to wear No. 28 with the Braves.
Olson is involved in charitable work, especially for ReClif, a treatment and fitness center for people with autism. He was the Braves’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2023 for his efforts.
Family of Matt Olson:
Olson is the second son of Scott and Lee Olson. His father served as his youth baseball coach until high school. His older brother, Zack, later pitched for the Harvard Crimson. Olson’s parents and brother are supportive of his baseball career and often attend his games.
Height of Matt Olson:
Olson stands at a height of 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and weighs 225 pounds (102 kg). He is one of the tallest and strongest players in MLB.
Contracts of Matt Olson:
Olson signed his first professional contract with the Oakland Athletics in 2012, after being drafted in the first round. He received a signing bonus of $1 million. He played for the Athletics until 2021, earning a total of $11.8 million over six seasons.
On March 14, 2022, Olson was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with pitcher Frankie Montas for outfielder Drew Waters and pitcher Ian Anderson. The next day, he signed an eight-year contract extension worth $168 million with the Braves. The deal runs through the 2029 season and includes a $20 million club option for 2030 with no buyout. At the time it was announced, the extension was the largest contract in team history, surpassing an eight-year deal worth $135 million signed by Freddie Freeman in 2014.
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Brands Associated:
Olson has endorsement deals with several brands related to baseball. He wears Nike cleats and apparel on the field. He also uses Rawlings gloves and Old Hickory bats . He has signed autographs and memorabilia for Fanatics Authentic, a sports merchandise company.
Teams with Matt Olson played:
Olson has played for two MLB teams in his career: the Oakland Athletics (2016-2021) and the Atlanta Braves (2022-present). He has also played for several minor league teams affiliated with the Athletics: the Arizona League Athletics (2012), the Vermont Lake Monsters (2012), the Beloit Snappers (2013), the Stockton Ports (2014), the Midland RockHounds (2015-2016), and the Nashville Sounds (2016-2017).
Awards & Achievements of Matt Olson:
- He is a two-time All-Star, selected in 2021 and 2023. He also participated in the Home Run Derby in 2021, finishing as the runner-up to Pete Alonso.
- He is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, receiving the honor in 2018 and 2019. He also won the Fielding Bible Award for first base in those years, as well as in 2020.
- He is a member of the 50 home run club, hitting 52 homers in 2023. He led the National League in home runs and RBIs (131) that year, and finished second in the MVP voting behind Juan Soto.
- He helped the Braves win their first World Series title since 1995, defeating the Houston Astros in six games in 2022. He batted .333 with two home runs and six RBIs in the series.
- He holds several franchise and league records, such as:
- Most home runs by a rookie in a month (16 in September 2017) for the Athletics.
- Most consecutive games with an extra-base hit by a rookie (10 in September 2017) for the Athletics.
- Most home runs by a first baseman in a season (52 in 2023) for the Braves.
- Most RBIs by a left-handed hitter in a season (131 in 2023) for the Braves.
- Most home runs by a left-handed hitter in a season (52 in 2023) in the National League.
| Year | Team | Games | At Bats | Runs | Hits | Doubles | Triples | Home Runs | RBIs | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Slugging Percentage | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | OAK | 11 | 21 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | .095 | .321 | .095 | .416 |
| 2017 | OAK | 59 | 189 | 33 | 49 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 45 | .259 | .352 | .651 | 1.003 |
| 2018* | OAK* | 162* | 580* | 85* | 143* | 28* | 0* | 29* | 84* | .247* | .335* | .453* | .788* |
| 2019* | OAK* | 127* | 485* | 73* | 115* | 23* | 0* | 36* | 91* | .267* | .351.545.896* | ||
| 2020 | OAK | 60 | 210 | 28 | 42 | 9 | 0 | 14 | 42 | .195 | .310 | .424 | .734 |
Scouting Report of Matt Olson:
| Category | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | 50 | Olson has a balanced and compact swing from the left side. He has good pitch recognition and plate discipline, and can drive the ball to all fields. He can struggle against left-handed pitching and high-velocity fastballs, and he tends to strike out a lot. |
| Power | 60 | Olson has above-average raw power that translates well in games. He can hit towering home runs to his pull side, especially to right-center field. He has a high launch angle and a high hard-hit rate. He led the NL in home runs and RBIs in 2023 with 52 and 131, respectively. |
| Run | 40 | Olson is not a fast runner, but he is not a liability on the bases either. He has good instincts and aggressiveness, and can take an extra base or steal a base when the opportunity arises. He scored 85 runs in 2023. |
| Arm | 60 | Olson has a strong and accurate arm that allows him to play any of the outfield positions. He was a pitcher in high school and can throw in the mid-90s. He had six outfield assists in 2021. |
| Field | 60 | Olson is an excellent defender at first base, where he has won two Gold Gloves and three Fielding Bible Awards. He has great reflexes, agility, and footwork, and can make difficult scoops and stretches. He also has good range and can handle pop-ups and bunts. He can also play both corner outfield positions adequately, but his best position is first base. |
Matt Olson is one of the best first basemen in baseball, combining elite power with superb defense. He is a two-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glover, and a World Series champion with the Braves. He is still young and under team control for several more years, making him a valuable asset for the Braves and a potential MVP candidate in the future.
FAQs about Matt Olson:
How old is Matt Olson?
Matt Olson is 29 years old as of 2023. He was born on March 29, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia.
How much is Matt Olson worth?
Matt Olson has a net worth of around $123 million as of 2023. He earned most of his money from his professional baseball career, especially after signing an eight-year, $168 million contract extension with the Braves in 2022. He also has endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Rawlings.
Is Matt Olson married?
Yes, Matt Olson is married to Nicole Olson, a retail tenant advisor and associate at Jones Lang LaSalle, a commercial real estate services company. They tied the knot in November 2021.
What are Matt Olson’s career highlights and awards?
Matt Olson has won several awards and accolades in his baseball career, such as:
- Two-time All-Star (2021 and 2023)
- Two-time Gold Glove Award winner (2018 and 2019)
- Three-time Fielding Bible Award winner (2018, 2019, and 2020)
- Member of the 50 home run club (2023)
- World Series champion with the Braves (2022)
- NL home run and RBI leader (2023)
- NL MVP runner-up (2023)
What are Matt Olson’s strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Matt Olson is one of the best first basemen in baseball, combining elite power with superb defense. He has a balanced and compact swing from the left side, and can drive the ball to all fields. He has above-average raw power that translates well in games, and can hit towering home runs to his pull side. He has good pitch recognition and plate discipline, and can draw walks at a high rate. He is an excellent defender at first base, where he has great reflexes, agility, and footwork. He also has a strong and accurate arm that allows him to play any of the outfield positions. He has good instincts and aggressiveness on the bases, and can take an extra base or steal a base when the opportunity arises.
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