Matt Olson is having a huge start to the season with the Braves.
The Atlanta Braves have enjoyed an incredible start to the 2026 MLB season. While injuries told the story for the ball club during spring training, the story of the regular season has been focused on upsetting expectations. As of this story's writing, Atlanta holds a comfortable lead in the National League East standings with a 22-10 overall record. First Baseman Matt Olson has played a crucial role in Atlanta's success this season.
Olson leads the team with nine home runs. He is hitting .296/.371/.616 as well. However, how is Olson performing at an MVP level?
Matt Olson's Big Start to 2026 Season
Olson, 32, has been one of the best first baseman in MLB for years now. He has never won an MVP award though. The closest he came was in 2023, when he finished fourth in National League MVP voting. Could this be Olson's season to win the award?
Well, he is certainly playing at a high level. His 6.3 percent home run rate is his best mark since the 2023 campaign. Olson is also hitting fly balls at his highest rate since 2023.
The left-handed slugger is in the 95th percentile for barrel percentage. Additionally, he ranks in the 96th percentile for batting run value. He is also in the 83rd percentile for hard-hit percentage.
In other words, Olson is making good contact on a consistent basis while hitting a lot of fly balls. Home runs are obviously not a problem for Olson, but his all-around success at the plate is not surprising either.
Winning the MVP in the National League is extremely difficult given the presence of Shohei Ohtani. It would require a historic offensive season. Otherwise, Ohtani's two-way presence will give him the advantage on a consistent basis.
Regardless of whether or not Olson wins the MVP award, he is unquestionably swinging the bat well to begin the 2026 campaign. The Braves would not be where they are without his performance. He has helped the Braves upset expectations amid all of the injuries on the roster.
Matt Olson and the Braves are hoping to continue to find success at a high level on Friday night when they begin a three-game series against the Rockies in Colorado. It will also be the first of a nine-game road trip.
First pitch for the Rockies and Braves clash is scheduled for 8:40 PM EST on Friday night in Colorado.