Matt Olson

2026 Fantasy Baseball Player Profile

Matt Olson’s 2025 campaign was defined by elite durability and defensive excellence, as he once again served as the most consistent presence in the Atlanta Braves' lineup. Appearing in all 162 games for the fourth consecutive year, Olson slashed .272/.366/.484 with 29 home runs and 95 RBIs. He led the National League with 40 doubles and became the first Brave since Chipper Jones in 1999 to record a season with at least 25 home runs, 40 doubles, and 90 walks. His defensive performance reached a new peak, as he earned his third career Gold Glove—his first in the National League—leading all MLB first basemen with 17 Defensive Runs Saved and a +8 fielding run value. For his efforts, he was named the 2025 Brave of the Year by the local chapter of the BBWAA, finishing the season as the team's primary offensive engine while the rest of the roster navigated significant injuries.

Entering 2026, Olson is projected to maintain his status as a premier power-hitting anchor at first base, with most major systems anticipating another year of elite volume. Analysts from Steamer and ZiPS forecast a statistical baseline of approximately 30 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 88 runs scored, though they expect his batting average to regress toward the .250 range following a year where his .333 BABIP was notably high. He remains a cornerstone of the Braves' long-term plans, entering the fifth year of his $168 million extension while continuing his pursuit of the MLB "Iron Man" record. In fantasy drafts, Olson carries a consensus ADP of approximately 36.0, as managers prioritize his virtually unmatched durability and safe forty-homer ceiling. With a healthier Braves lineup expected around him, including a full season of Ronald Acuña Jr., Olson is well-positioned to return to the 100-RBI plateau as he anchors the cleanup spot in Atlanta.