Matt Olson of the Braves is a Rising Star for the Key Award.

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, a first baseman, will not be nominated for MVP this year. That does not, however, exclude him from running for another prize.

Olson has formally declared his candidacy for the NL Gold Glove at first base after two outstanding plays in the field over the last two days.
Sunday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies marked the start of Olson’s run of outstanding defensive efforts. In order to prevent Brandon Marsh from getting a double, he fielded a ground ball down the line behind his back.

And then, in Monday night’s comeback against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Olson produced one of the best plays baseball fans have likely seen all season.
Olson made a spectacular diving catch over his shoulder in foul territory with runners on second and third. To avoid a sacrifice fly, Olson swiftly tossed the ball home after completing the catch.

The recorded out and throw helped Atlanta end the inning without giving up another run, even if it wouldn’t have been a hit if the Braves first baseman hadn’t made the grab.

That proved to be crucial. Olson kept the Braves to within two runs with his effort. The Braves prevailed in extra innings after Atlanta catcher Sean Murphy knotted the score with a two-run home drive in the ninth inning.

Olson dazzled the reporters and a lot of admirers on X (formerly Twitter) with his catch.

“Braves Matt Olson in one of the best plays I’ve seen by any first basemen — making sure to get a critical out and then somehow getting that throw off to home, all in one fluid motion,” wrote Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game.
The play’s description on Bally Sports South X was “Gold Glove level.”

Olson was the Oakland Athletics’ two-time Gold Glove winner in 2018 and 2019. But since then, he hasn’t gotten much thought for the honor.

Olson made his second All-Star squad and took fourth place in the MVP voting the previous season. With 139 RBI, a league-high 54 home runs, and a.604 slugging percentage, he hit.283.

Olson would have gotten a lot more recognition for what might go down as one of the greatest offensive seasons by a Braves first baseman in history if not for Ronald Acuña’s historic 40/70 campaign.

In 2024, Olson’s production at the plate isn’t reaching the same level. But his glove is in perfect condition.