Matt Olson isn’t just mashing baseballs this season for the Atlanta Braves — he’s flashing the leather, and MLB.com thinks it’s finally time he gets rewarded for it.
The Braves’ first baseman has been named the National League’s projected Gold Glove winner at his position, according to MLB writers Jared Greenspan and Jason Foster. If Olson secures the honor, it would mark the third Gold Glove of his career — and his first since 2019, back when he wore green and gold with the Oakland A’s.
He came up just short last year, finishing as a finalist but losing out to Christian Walker of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This year, though? The numbers are stacking up heavily in Olson’s favor.
His defensive stats aren’t just good — they’re elite. Olson’s +7 field run value ties him with Ty France for the best in all of baseball. Add in 16 defensive runs saved and a career-high 133 assists, and it’s a resume that’s hard to argue with. Oh, and did we mention he hasn’t taken a single game off?
While “Iron Man” streaks are typically reserved for offensive metrics, Olson’s availability — playing every game in the field rather than resting as a designated hitter — adds another layer to his case. In a league where rest days and rotating roles are more common than ever, Olson is quietly redefining what durability looks like on defense.
Braves’ Glove Standouts Take Backseat Amid Injuries, Competition
No other Braves are projected to snag a Gold Glove this season, despite a few being possible finalists. Last season’s lone winner besides Olson was Chris Sale, who earned his first career Gold Glove. Talents like Spencer Schwellenbach have also been sidelined, hurting their chances.
Shortstop Nick Allen, tied for second in defensive runs saved (12) and second in field run value (12) in the NL, is another possible finalist — but projections favor Cardinals standout Mayson Winn at that position.
Former Braves ace Max Fried, now in the American League, is also poised to make noise. He’s projected to take home the AL pitcher’s Gold Glove, which would be his fourth overall and first since 2022.
But for the Braves, all eyes are on Olson — a man who not only powers the lineup but also anchors the defense, one dive, scoop, and bullet throw at a time.
