Matt Olson entered 2024 with sky-high expectations after a sensational 2023 season with 54 home runs and 139 RBIs for the Braves. He was a powerhouse, having one of the best years of his career, only missing out on the NL MVP because of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s historic run. While many expected Olson’s numbers to dip somewhat, few could have predicted the rollercoaster that unfolded.
As the season concluded, Olson’s stats—.247/.333/.457 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 170 strikeouts—weren’t exactly what fans had hoped. His OPS dropped to .790, a significant fall from his previous elite level. There were points when it looked uncertain if he’d even reach 25 homers.
The first half of the season proved particularly challenging, as Olson hit just .230 over 95 games with 13 home runs and a striking 109 strikeouts. Yet, signs of resilience started to appear as he moved past a rough start.
April was a particularly tough month for Olson, with a .202 batting average dragging his early season numbers down. But he regained some momentum in May and June, hitting .270 and .255, respectively. July remained rough, with a .172 average.
However, August and September marked a clear comeback. Olson batted .264 in August and an impressive .319 in September. In the season’s final 67 games, his line shot up to .271/.366/.530, achieving a .896 OPS. In nearly every key offensive metric, Olson showed flashes of his elite potential, including a .342 xwOBA, .454 xSLG, and a 47.4% hard-hit rate.
Olson’s season wasn’t just about the bat, either. He shined defensively, leading all MLB first basemen with career-highs in metrics like Outs Above Average (4) and Defensive Runs Saved (13). This defensive mastery earned him the Fielding Bible Award for 2024, and he was a finalist for the Gold Glove Award.
Olson’s season may not have met his 2023 standards, but it wasn’t disappointing. His rebound in the second half and his defensive accolades make his year one of resilience and adaptation. Braves fans have plenty to look forward to as Matt Olson heads into 2025, poised to make another impact.
