Matt Olson and Nick Allen Named Gold Glove Finalists — Braves Duo Highlight Atlanta’s Defensive Excellence
The Atlanta Braves’ defensive dominance has once again earned national recognition. Matt Olson and Nick Allen have both been named finalists for the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, Major League Baseball’s highest defensive honor.
For Olson, this marks yet another opportunity to add to his legacy. The veteran first baseman is a finalist for the third Gold Glove of his career — and his first as a member of the Braves. Olson previously captured back-to-back Gold Gloves in 2018 and 2019 during his time with the Oakland Athletics.
If he wins, Olson would become the first Braves first baseman to claim the award since Freddie Freeman in 2018.
“Congratulations to Matt Olson on being named a @RawlingsSports Gold Glove Award finalist,” the Braves posted Tuesday on X.
A Defensive Anchor at First Base
Olson’s 2025 campaign was a showcase of elite consistency and athleticism. He posted a .996 fielding percentage while committing only five errors across all 162 games — never once taking a day off to serve as designated hitter.
Advanced metrics further strengthen his case. Olson led all MLB first basemen with 17 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), a figure that more than doubled that of his closest competitors, Spencer Steer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who tied for second with 8 DRS apiece.
Offensively, Olson provided stability as well, finishing with a .272 batting average, .850 OPS, 29 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a National League-leading 41 doubles — earning him the title of 2025 Brave of the Year.
Nick Allen Earns First Career Nomination
Joining Olson among the finalists is Nick Allen, who earned his first career Gold Glove finalist selection after a standout defensive season at shortstop.
Allen’s glove work was among the best in baseball, with 12 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) — the second-highest total in the National League behind fellow finalist Mookie Betts. He finished the year with a .988 fielding percentage, committing just five errors all season.
Though his bat remained inconsistent, Allen’s quick hands and range made him a defensive cornerstone, routinely saving base hits and stabilizing the infield throughout the year. If he wins, he would become the first Braves shortstop to capture the award since Dansby Swanson in 2022.
“Congratulations to Nick Allen on being named a @RawlingsSports Gold Glove Award finalist,” the Braves shared on social media following the announcement.
How Gold Glove Winners Are Selected
According to MLB.com, Gold Glove winners at each of the nine standard positions are determined by a combination of manager and coach voting (75%) and the SABR Defensive Index (25%). Each of MLB’s 30 managers, along with up to six coaches per team, may vote — though they cannot vote for their own players.
The 2025 Gold Glove Award winners will be announced in early November.
With Olson and Allen representing the Braves among the finalists, Atlanta once again proves that elite defense remains at the heart of its identity — a blend of precision, discipline, and quiet excellence that continues to define the franchise.
