Matt Olson Leads Braves as Gold Glove Contender with Unmatched Defensive Skills
The Atlanta Braves are turning their eyes toward the Gold Glove Awards, and one name stands out above the rest: Matt Olson. The first baseman’s consistent defensive performance throughout the season has positioned him as a strong frontrunner for this prestigious honor in the National League.
Aiming for Redemption
After narrowly missing out on the Gold Glove last season—losing to Christian Walker of the Arizona Diamondbacks—Olson is poised for redemption. Should he secure the award, it would mark his third Gold Glove, with his previous wins coming during his tenure with the Oakland Athletics in 2018 and 2019.
Defensive Metrics Shine Bright
Olson’s candidacy is bolstered by impressive statistics. He boasts a plus-seven field run value, which is tied with Ty France for the best in Major League Baseball. Additionally, Olson has recorded 16 defensive runs saved and notched a career-high 133 assists this season. These numbers reflect not just his talent but also his ability to contribute significantly on defense.
Iron Man Consistency
Beyond the statistics, Olson’s value to the Braves is underscored by his remarkable durability. He’s been a constant presence on the field, playing every game without taking a single day off—even opting not to step back as a designated hitter. This level of commitment is a rare quality, adding depth to his candidacy that goes beyond traditional metrics.
Braves’ Gold Glove Landscape
Currently, Olson stands as the only Braves player projected to win a Gold Glove this year. While there may be other players on the roster who could be considered as finalists, they are not expected to reach the award’s pinnacle. In contrast, Chris Sale was the only other Braves player to be a finalist last season, winning the award in his first attempt.
Potential candidates this year, like Spencer Schwellenbach, have faced challenges; Schwellenbach has been sidelined since late June. Shortstop Nick Allen, who ranks second in the National League with 12 defensive runs saved, may also find himself in the finalist conversation, though he is projected to fall short against Mayson Winn of the Cardinals.
Max Fried’s Opportunity
Adding to the Braves’ defensive accolades, former pitcher Max Fried is expected to win the Gold Glove for pitchers in the American League. If he succeeds, it would represent his fourth career Gold Glove and his first since 2022, further highlighting the organization’s commitment to defensive excellence across the board.
As the Braves look ahead, all eyes will be on Matt Olson, whose combination of skill, consistency, and durability makes him a standout candidate for one of baseball’s most coveted defensive honors.
