Matthew Kent Olson Bio
Matthew Kent Olson is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Oakland Athletics. Olson was drafted by the Athletics in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with them in 2016. After six seasons with the Athletics, he was traded to the Braves prior to the 2022 season and signed an eight-year contract extension. Olson has won three Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger Award, four Fielding Bible Awards, led the MLB in home runs and RBIs in 2023, and was an MLB All-Star in 2021, 2023, and 2025.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Kent Olson was born on March 29, 1994, in Lilburn, Georgia, USA. He is the second son of Scott and Lee Olson, who played a significant role in his early exposure to baseball. Scott Olson served as his sons’ youth baseball coach until they reached high school. Olson’s older brother, Zack, later pitched for the Harvard Crimson. Matthew attended Parkview High School in Lilburn, where he excelled as a first baseman and pitcher for the Parkview Panthers, leading the team to back-to-back state championships in 2011 and 2012. He finished his high school career with an impressive .431 batting average, 44 doubles, 45 home runs, and 168 runs batted in (RBIs). He holds the Parkview High School and Gwinnett County records for wins and RBIs, and his uniform number, No. 21, was retired by Parkview High School in February 2019. After graduating with honors in 2012, Olson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft, forgoing his commitment to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University.
Path to Baseball
Olson began his professional career in the minor leagues after being drafted. He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Athletics and also played for the Vermont Lake Monsters in his first season, hitting .282 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs over 50 games. In 2013, he played with the Beloit Snappers, where he hit 23 home runs and drove in 93 RBIs in 134 games. Olson continued to develop his skills in the minor leagues, playing for the Stockton Ports in 2014 and leading all minor leaguers with a walk percentage of 18.5%. He spent the 2015 season with the Midland RockHounds and the entire 2016 season with the Nashville Sounds, showcasing his potential as a power hitter. Olson’s strong performance in the minors led to his call-up to the Oakland Athletics in September 2016.
Matthew Kent Olson Career
Early Career (2016-2021)
Olson made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2016, playing in 11 games that season. He split time between Nashville and Oakland in 2017, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 45 RBIs in 59 games with the Athletics. Olson’s rookie season was marked by a record 13 home runs in September, tying for third-most in MLB history for a player’s first 65 career games. He played all 162 games for Oakland in 2018, finishing with 29 home runs and 84 RBIs, earning his first Gold Glove Award for his defensive performance. In 2019, he continued to excel, receiving his second consecutive Gold Glove Award and batting .267 with 36 home runs and 91 RBIs. Olson’s performance in 2020 was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still led the Athletics in home runs and RBIs.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
Olson’s breakthrough season came in 2021 when he led the Athletics in several offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, and walks. He was selected for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and participated in the Home Run Derby. In March 2022, Olson was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he signed an eight-year contract extension worth $168 million, the largest in team history at the time. In 2023, Olson had a historic season, leading the MLB in home runs and RBIs, and was named an All-Star for the second time. He set franchise records for home runs and runs batted in, earning the National League Silver Slugger Award for first basemen.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Olson has established himself as a premier first baseman in Major League Baseball. He has won three Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger Award, and has been named an All-Star three times. His impressive statistics include a career batting average of .257, with 1,155 hits, 288 home runs, and 808 RBIs through the 2025 season.
Matthew Kent Olson Award Nominations
Matthew Kent Olson has received multiple nominations throughout his career, including recognition for his outstanding defensive skills and offensive performance.
Matthew Kent Olson Awards Won
Olson has won several prestigious awards, including three Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger Award, highlighting his excellence in both defense and offense.
Matthew Kent Olson Family
Matthew Kent Olson is married to Nicole, and the couple resides in Atlanta, Georgia. They welcomed their first child, a son, in December 2024.
Personal Life
Olson is actively involved in charitable efforts, including his nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2023. He supports ReClif, a treatment and fitness center for individuals on the autism spectrum.
