Matt Olson Leads Braves in 2025 WAR Rankings as Atlanta Finds Bright Spots in a Down Year.vc
ATLANTA —
Even in a season where the Atlanta Braves fell short of expectations, excellence still found its way onto the field. From established stars to breakout rookies, several players delivered standout performances that reminded fans why this team remains one of MLB’s most talented rosters.
According to Baseball Reference, five Braves players stood out statistically in bWAR (Wins Above Replacement) during the 2025 campaign — a metric that highlights all-around value. And at the top of that list, one name towered above the rest.
Matt Olson — 6.0 WAR
For the second straight year, Matt Olson proved why he’s the heartbeat of Atlanta’s lineup. The All-Star first baseman played all 162 games and delivered elite production on both sides of the ball, leading the team — and ranking among MLB’s top ten overall players — with an estimated 6.0 WAR.
His all-around excellence earned him a spot as an All-MLB finalist, a Gold Glove finalist, and yet another All-Star selection. Olson’s reliability was unmatched — every inning, every swing, every defensive play at first base reflected consistency and leadership.
“When you play every day and perform at a high level on both sides of the game, WAR tends to reward that,” one Braves analyst said.
Even with Atlanta’s uneven season, Olson’s performance placed him just behind MLB elites like Garrett Crochet, who posted a 6.3 WAR to round out the league’s top ten.
Chris Sale — 3.9 WAR
Despite missing nearly two months, Chris Sale turned back the clock in 2025. His 2.58 ERA was the fifth-best mark of his career, earning him a ninth All-Star appearance and solidifying his role as the staff’s veteran ace.
With 3.9 WAR, Sale posted his second-highest total since 2018 — a testament to both his durability when healthy and his continued dominance against left-handed hitters. Braves insiders believe that, with a full season, he could have entered serious Cy Young contention.
Evan Baldwin — 3.3 WAR (Rookie)
Few rookies in baseball had a debut as impactful as Evan Baldwin. Thrust into the starting catcher role after Sean Murphy’s early injury, Baldwin responded with poise and power, quickly earning a reputation as one of the Braves’ most complete young players.
He’s expected to be a finalist for the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award, and many around the league believe he’s the favorite to win it. Baldwin’s emergence provides the Braves with a strong long-term foundation behind the plate — a position that defines championship-caliber teams.
Ronald Acuña Jr. — 3.1 WAR
Even in a shortened season, Ronald Acuña Jr. found a way to make an impact. The 2023 MVP battled through multiple injuries but still managed to post 3.1 WAR, showing flashes of his electrifying form whenever he was healthy.
Had he played a full season, projections suggest he could have surpassed his 2019 total of 5.2 WAR, further solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic players in the game.
Sean Murphy — 2.5 WAR
It was a year of frustration and resilience for Sean Murphy. Despite battling through recurring injuries that limited his playing time, the veteran catcher still ranked among the Braves’ top contributors with an estimated 2.5 WAR.
When healthy, Murphy remained one of the best defensive catchers in baseball — his framing, game-calling, and pop time behind the plate continued to anchor Atlanta’s pitching staff.
“You can see it clearly,” one team staffer noted. “When Sean’s in the lineup, everything just feels sharper — the rhythm, the confidence, the energy.”
A Season of Lessons — and Hope
While 2025 may not go down as a banner year in Braves history, it did reaffirm one thing: Atlanta’s core remains elite. Olson’s dominance, Sale’s resurgence, Baldwin’s rise, and Acuña’s flashes of brilliance all provide reasons for optimism heading into 2026.
For all the setbacks, the Braves still boast a roster filled with players who perform at an All-Star level — and with Matt Olson leading that charge, Atlanta’s foundation for the next run of success is already in place.
