ATLANTA, GA — Matt Olson continues to establish himself as the premier defensive first baseman in baseball, officially earning his third career Gold Glove Award for his stellar performance during the 2025 season.
The award, announced on November 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Olson:
- Third Career Award: This is Olson’s third time winning the Gold Glove, following previous wins in the American League with the Oakland Athletics in 2018 and 2019.
- First as a Brave: Crucially, the 2025 Gold Glove is his first since joining the Atlanta Braves prior to the 2022 season, cementing his legacy in the National League. He is only the second Braves first baseman to win the award, joining Freddie Freeman (2018).
Defensive Dominance in 2025
Olson’s selection was well-earned, as his defensive metrics placed him at the very top of the league:
| Defensive Metric (2025) | Value | NL Rank |
| Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) | 17 | Led all MLB First Basemen |
| Fielding Run Value | 8 | Led all MLB First Basemen |
| Fielding Percentage | .996 | Tied his career-best |
| Games Played | 162 | Led MLB (Ironman status) |
The 31-year-old was not only an “Ironman,” appearing in all 162 games and leading all major-league first basemen in fielding run value and defensive runs saved, but he also successfully turned nine double plays from the position, the most in the National League.
This award follows a year of mixed results for the Braves, but Olson’s consistency at first base remains a foundational piece of the team. His combination of elite defense and offensive contributions (he was also an All-Star in 2025) makes him the quiet cornerstone of Atlanta’s competitive core.
With Matt Olson confirmed as the Gold Glove winner at first base, the Braves’ infield defense is strong. However, they need to address the open shortstop position. Which free-agent shortstop is most known for their Gold Glove-caliber defense, making them a perfect defensive fit next to Olson and Albies?
