Matt Olson’s All-Star Hopes Soar as Braves Struggle
Matt Olson was just six years old when his parents took him to Turner Field to watch Sammy Sosa dazzle in the 2000 Home Run Derby. Now, 25 years later, the Atlanta native could be on the verge of living out a full-circle moment—representing the Braves in the 2025 All-Star Game, hosted in his hometown at Truist Park.
Despite Atlanta’s rough season—marked by a series skid since June 19—Olson has emerged as one of the few bright spots. In Saturday’s 10-inning loss to the Orioles, he nearly hit for the cycle, going 3-for-5 with a double, a homer (his 17th), and a single, raising his season totals and boosting his All-Star case.
“I think he’s earned it,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. already named a starting outfielder for the National League, having Olson join him would be a much-needed morale boost for fans.
Matt Olson
Olson now leads all MLB first basemen with a 3.1 fWAR, edging out Pete Alonso and Michael Busch. His defensive impact is elite too—he leads the league in Defensive Runs Saved (12) and Outs Above Average (8) at first base, making him a top Gold Glove contender.
While Olson ranks fourth among primary NL first basemen in OPS and home runs, his all-around game—including recent offensive dominance (batting .324 with a 1.006 OPS since May 16)—has vaulted him into serious All-Star contention.
With former Brave Freddie Freeman voted in as the NL’s starting first baseman, reserve selections (announced Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN) will decide whether Olson gets the nod alongside Acuña in what would be a storybook moment for the Georgia native.
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