Braves' Matt Olson Receives Hall of Fame Praise from ESPN Writer

ESPN's Buster Olney believes the Braves first baseman's consistent production has him on a Hall of Fame trajectory.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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ESPN writer Buster Olney believes that Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson's consistent power production and elite defensive play have put him on a Hall of Fame trajectory. Olson, who has hit at least 29 home runs in five straight seasons, is just 12 homers shy of 300 for his career at age 31. Olney praised Olson's combination of offensive and defensive prowess, noting his three Gold Glove awards and top-five MVP finish.

Why it matters

Olson's potential Hall of Fame candidacy highlights the Braves' strong core of young talent, which includes stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. If Olson can continue his elite play, it would further cement the Braves as one of the top teams in the National League for years to come.

The details

In his five seasons with the Braves, Olson has compiled impressive numbers, including 1,155 hits, 250 doubles, 288 home runs, and 808 RBIs. He's also been a standout defender, leading all MLB first basemen in defensive runs saved and finishing second in outs above average last season. Olson's consistency, power, and defensive excellence have put him on a Hall of Fame trajectory, according to Olney.

  • Olson is entering his fifth season with the Braves in 2026.
  • Olson has hit at least 29 home runs in five straight seasons, dating back to his final year with the Oakland Athletics.

The players

Matt Olson

A 31-year-old first baseman for the Atlanta Braves who has emerged as one of the best power hitters and defensive players at his position in MLB.

Buster Olney

A veteran baseball writer for ESPN who believes Olson's consistent production has put him on a Hall of Fame trajectory.

Ronald Acuna Jr.

A star outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who, along with Olson, forms a core of young talent that has the team poised for success in the coming years.

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What they’re saying

“Olson's consistent production is vaulting him into Hall of Fame territory. He needs just 12 more homers for 300 in his career and has at least 29 in seven of his 10 seasons.”

— Buster Olney, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

“Olson led all first basemen in defensive runs saved by far (17), and he was second in outs above average (nine).”

— Buster Olney, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

If Olson can continue his elite production at the plate and in the field, he will likely continue to build his Hall of Fame case over the next few seasons.

The takeaway

Matt Olson's combination of power hitting and Gold Glove-caliber defense has put him on a Hall of Fame trajectory, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. As part of the Braves' talented young core, Olson's continued excellence could help cement Atlanta as one of the National League's top teams for years to come.