Atlanta Braves star Matt Olson is known for his home run hitting prowess. The slugger has recorded exactly 29 home runs in each of the past two seasons and hit a league leading 54 in 2023. One facet of Olson's game that does not receive as much attention but is still impressive is his durability. Olson was traded from the Athletics to the Braves ahead of the 2022 season, and the first baseman has appeared in all 162 games in each of his four years with Atlanta.

So, how does Olson manage to stay on the field on such a consistent basis?

"I kind of look at it, like it is basically all offseason. We all do stuff during the year to stay healthy and stay strong, but, you know, after like the third day of spring training, that hundred percent is gone and it's never coming back," Olson said during a recent interview, via the Braves. "If you can kind of raise the hundred percent up as high as you can in the offseason, then it starts trickling down, you're in a better place."

Olson plays first base, which is a less demanding position than most others. He acknowledged his position plays a role in his impressive durability as well.

"Playing first base is kind of a good thing as far as being out there," Olson continued. "I don't have to run around and dive around like these guys or Mike Harris (Michael Harris II) out in center. So, there's a lot of luck involved with it."

While playing first base surely helps Olson, his ability to stay on the field is impressive nonetheless. There are not many players who can consistently appear in every single game. 

As previously mentioned, Olson has appeared in all 162 contests in each of the past four seasons. Additionally, he accomplished the feat once with the Athletics as well. He also appeared in all 60 games during the shortened 2020 season.

Part of it is luck. Some players are injury prone, while others suffer random injuries that happen during a game. Olson has been able to avoid those types of situations in recent years, and he certainly has not been an injury prone ball player in his career.

It goes beyond luck, however. For Olson, the preparation begins in the offseason. He understands that playing in 162 games is a grind. Olson made his big league debut back in 2016, so he has learned what it requires to stay on the field on a consistent basis.

The Braves are hopeful that other players can find luck similar to Olson, as injuries overall were a concern for the team in 2025. Atlanta is one healthy season away from getting back on track after missing the postseason last year.