Braves’ Matt Olson and Austin Riley Named Silver Slugger Finalists: A Nod to Resilience Amid 2025 Struggles.vc
ATLANTA — The Silver Slugger Award, MLB’s prestigious honor for the top offensive performers at each position, added a bright spot to the Atlanta Braves’ disappointing 2025 season with the announcement of finalists on October 22. Voted by managers and coaches, the award recognizes elite hitters in the National League, and the Braves landed two representatives: first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Austin Riley. While Olson’s nod was expected given his ironman consistency, Riley’s inclusion—despite missing two months to injury—stands as a testament to his impact when healthy, positioning both for potential hardware in a year that saw Atlanta’s 89-73 Wild Card team exit early in the NLDS. Winners will be revealed on November 6 at 6 p.m. ET, but Atlanta’s duo has fans buzzing about a possible double nod.
Matt Olson: The Ironman Anchor with Elite Production
Olson, a 2023 Silver Slugger winner who smashed 54 homers that year, continued his under-the-radar dominance in 2025, earning a finalist spot at first base alongside New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso and Los Angeles Dodgers stalwart Freddie Freeman. In 162 games—marking his fourth straight full season without missing a contest—Olson slashed .272/.366/.484 with 29 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a league-leading 41 doubles, posting a 136 wRC+ that ranked him among the NL’s elite first basemen. His 138 OPS+ highlighted consistent power and discipline, making him a frontrunner despite Alonso’s 37 homers and Freeman’s .301 average. Braves fans, still smarting from the NLDS, see Olson’s nod as validation: “He’s our rock,” one X post read, echoing widespread pride.
Austin Riley: Resilience Shines Through Injury
Riley’s finalist status at third base—against San Francisco’s Matt Chapman, San Diego’s Manny Machado, and Los Angeles’ Max Muncy—was a genuine surprise, given his two-month absence due to an abdominal injury. The 28-year-old, a two-time winner (2021, 2023), posted a .260 average, 16 homers, and 54 RBIs in 102 games, good for a 103 wRC+ that ranked him solidly among NL third basemen despite the lost time. “It’s an honor to be mentioned with those guys,” Riley said, per Braves on X, acknowledging the long odds against Chapman’s .278/.368/.513 and Muncy’s 36 homers. Fans celebrated the surprise: “Riley snubbed? Nah, finalist status is huge after that injury,” one X post read, reflecting widespread optimism.
A Bright Spot for Braves Nation
The Braves’ two finalists highlight resilience in a year of setbacks—Acuña’s ACL recovery, pitching injuries, and managerial transition. Olson’s consistency and Riley’s grit offer hope for 2026, especially with Danny Lehmann’s potential hiring signaling a tactical refresh. As one X user put it: “Olson and Riley finalists? That’s the silver lining we needed.” With winners a fortnight away, Braves Nation holds its breath for a double triumph.
