At 75-42, the Atlanta Braves have the MLB’s best record. The roster is loaded, filled with eight All-Stars who represented the National League, including slugger Matt Olson.
Olson was acquired via trade from the Oakland Athletics in 2022 and has immediately been a difference-making cornerman since.
He is on pace to set numerous Braves records as he is in the midst of what has been his best season to date. Hitting .273 with 43 home runs and 107 runs batted in, Olson is nine home runs and 29 runs batted in away from becoming the Braves’ single-season home run and RBI leader.
With 45 games remaining in the regular season and the Braves trying to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, Olson will have a chance to break one or both records.
Meanwhile, Braves legend, Andruw Jones, currently holds the franchise record for home runs in a single season (51) and Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews set the Braves RBI record in 1953, driving in 135 runs.
The tide began to turn for Olson when manager Brian Snitker decided to move him to fourth in the Braves’ batting order. The move has paid off in a big way as Olson is now pacing to hit 60 home runs this season.
Olson had big shoes to fill when he was traded to Atlanta to replace future Hall of Famer and long-time Brave, Freddie Freeman. Not only has he filled those shoes admirably, he has also shattered all expectations while helping the Braves become the best team in the game.
Born in Atlanta and enjoying a breakout season representing his hometown, Matt Olson is now having a fairytale season that could be etched into Braves history if he continues at this pace.
