Matt Olson’s Lone Vote: Braves’ Iron Man Earns All-MLB Nod in Bleacher Report’s Peerless Honor.vc
Atlanta, October 30, 2025 – The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 was a forgettable 76-86 slog, marred by injuries to Acuña, Strider, and a rotation in tatters. But in Bleacher Report’s All-MLB Team reveal, one Brave stood tall: Matt Olson. The 31-year-old first baseman snagged one vote at first base, the franchise’s sole recognition amid a sea of snubs. Facing Oakland’s rookie sensation Nick Kurtz—who swept the other five votes with a .290 average, 1.002 OPS, and 36 HRs in 117 games—Olson’s nod is no small feat. His iron-man streak (162 games), .272/.850 slash, 29 homers, 95 RBIs, and defensive mastery (Fielding Bible Award, Gold Glove frontrunner) made him a quiet warrior. “Matt’s the heartbeat we needed,” manager Brian Snitker (pre-retirement) said. As Acuña and Baldwin eye Players Choice glory, Olson’s vote isn’t pity—it’s proof: Even in a down year, Braves grit shines.
Olson’s 2025 Anchor: Iron Man Excellence in a Storm
Olson’s season was reliability personified. Acquired in 2022 for prospects, he played all 162 games—extending his streak to 324—slashing .272/.354/.496 with 29 HRs, 95 RBIs, and 3.2 WAR. His .850 OPS ranked top-15 among first basemen, while +12 DRS and a perfect fielding percentage earned the Fielding Bible Award. “Matt’s glove and bat never waver,” GM Alex Anthopoulos praised. Against Kurtz’s rookie explosion (.290/1.002, 36 HRs), Olson’s vote from one of six BR voters (likely Joel Reuter) reflects durability over flash.
No ballot, no finalists—BR’s subjective picks highlight Olson’s quiet dominance. “One vote? That’s respect in a lost year,” a Braves insider noted.
The Bigger Picture: Braves in Award Limbo
Bleacher Report’s snub of Chris Sale (2.98 ERA in 120 IP, injury-shortened), Ronald Acuña Jr. (.290/.935 in 95 games), and Drake Baldwin (.318 rookie slash) underscores 2025’s pain. Sale’s two-month IL stint, Acuña’s ACL recovery, and Baldwin’s late call-up dimmed shine. Yet, hope glimmers: Acuña’s Players Choice Comeback Player win, Baldwin’s Outstanding Rookie—both peer-voted. Official All-MLB (five finalists) and Gold Glove (November 5) loom; Olson’s a lock.
| Player | 2025 Stats | Award Path |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Olson | .272/.850, 29 HRs, +12 DRS | 1 BR vote, Fielding Bible, Gold Glove |
| Nick Kurtz | .290/1.002, 36 HRs | 5 BR votes, ROY contender |
The Turnaround Tease: 2026’s Promise
A 76-win season yields slim hardware, but Olson’s vote, Acuña’s comeback, and Baldwin’s rise signal reload. With Strider’s return, Schwellenbach’s ace turn, and free-agent targets (Ranger Suárez?), 2026 isn’t hope—it’s havoc. On X, #OlsonVote trends: “One vote? Matt’s the real MVP of consistency!”
Conclusion
Matt Olson’s lone All-MLB vote isn’t a footnote—it’s a foundation. In a 76-win wilderness, his iron-man excellence earned peer respect. With Acuña and Baldwin honored, the Braves aren’t fading—they’re forging. Atlanta, your heartbeat is strong. Chop to 2026.
