Matt Olson – Atlanta Braves Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Matt Olson has become one of baseball’s top first basemen with the Atlanta Braves. He’s known for his powerful left-handed swing and standout fielding, making him a key player for the franchise.

In 2022, Olson signed an 8-year contract worth $168 million with the Braves, which, at the time, set a new record for the team.

The Alabama native’s finances keep trending upward as his career moves forward. For the 2025 season, Olson will earn $22 million as part of his long-term deal.

Estimates put his total net worth somewhere between $51.2 million and $175.7 million, which is quite a range, but either way, it’s a big jump from where he started.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Matt Olson’s journey to the majors started in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born on March 29, 1994. Growing up in a baseball-loving family really set the stage for his future in the sport.

Family Background

Scott and Lee Olson welcomed Matt into the world in Atlanta. He grew up in the same city where he’d later play professionally, which adds a nice full-circle twist to his story.

His parents always supported his baseball dreams, showing up to games and practices, and just being there for him. That kind of backing makes a difference.

Matt’s brother also played a role in fueling his love for the game. The Olson household encouraged athletic pursuits from the start.

Scott Olson, Matt’s dad, really dove in, helping Matt work on his skills and spending hours together practicing. That support helped shape Matt into the player and person he is today.

High School and Amateur Baseball Career

Matt went to Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, and quickly stood out as a baseball talent. He helped the Parkview Panthers win back-to-back state championships in 2011 and 2012, showing off his power and defensive skills.

As a senior, scouts and college recruiters took notice of his performance. He committed to Vanderbilt University, but he changed course when the Oakland Athletics picked him in the first round (47th overall) of the 2012 MLB Draft.

Olson’s amateur days highlighted just how much power and defensive ability he brought to first base. Fans and coaches at Parkview saw early on that he had something special.

Professional Career Highlights

Matt Olson built his reputation as an elite first baseman with his power at the plate and his glove. His rise from Oakland to Atlanta tells the story of a player who just keeps getting better.

MLB Debut and Rise with the Athletics

Olson debuted with the Oakland Athletics on September 12, 2016. He didn’t stick around long that first year, but in 2017, he came back and smashed 24 home runs in just 59 games. That kind of power is hard to ignore.

From 2018 to 2021, Olson became Oakland’s go-to guy. He won two Gold Gloves (2018, 2019) at first base, proving he could do more than just hit.

In 2021, Olson truly broke out for the A’s. He put up career-best numbers:

• 39 home runs
• 111 RBIs
• .271 batting average
• First All-Star selection

Pitchers in the American League started to fear his left-handed swing and patient eye at the plate.

Achievements with the Braves

In March 2022, the Braves traded for Olson and signed him to an 8-year, $168 million contract extension—the biggest in team history at the time. Coming home to Atlanta brought a lot of buzz from Braves fans.

Olson kept hitting for power with the Braves and worked on refining his approach. His steady production helped Atlanta stay in the thick of the NL East race.

In 2023, Olson showed just how high his ceiling is. He blasted 54 home runs, breaking the Braves’ single-season record that Andruw Jones held. That year really cemented his place among baseball’s top power hitters.

For 2025, Olson will earn $22 million as he continues his prime with Atlanta. The schedule is packed with big games that’ll put him in the spotlight.

Standout Performances Against Yankees and Rangers

Olson has delivered some unforgettable games against top teams. Against the New York Yankees, he’s shown his power—especially with a three-homer game at Yankee Stadium in 2022.

He’s given Yankees pitchers plenty of headaches, and his ability to drive the ball to all fields makes him tough to pitch to in their ballpark.

Olson has also put up big numbers against the Texas Rangers. In 2023, he hit .320 with 6 home runs over just 12 games against them.

One game really stands out: he drove in 7 runs, including a grand slam, in a crucial late-season matchup against the Rangers. Performances like these show that Olson can step up against the best.

Contract Details and Free Agency Status

Matt Olson’s deal with the Atlanta Braves is one of the biggest financial commitments the team has ever made. This contract gives him long-term security and sets him up for more earnings down the road.

Historic Contract Overview

In 2022, Olson signed an 8-year, $168 million contract with the Braves right after the trade from Oakland. At the time, it was the largest deal in Braves history, averaging $21 million per season.

For 2025, Olson will make $22 million in salary, and his contract runs through 2029, with a team option for 2030.

The Braves’ front office clearly sees Olson as their first baseman for the long haul. This financial security has helped him settle in Atlanta without worrying about free agency any time soon.

Comparison to Notable Player Contracts

Olson’s $168 million contract is big, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of deals like Francisco Lindor’s $341 million with the Mets or what Juan Soto is expected to get.

Among first basemen, Olson’s deal beats Paul Goldschmidt’s $130 million/5-year extension with the Cardinals in total value, but not in average annual salary. Olson locked in more guaranteed money because he signed for more years.

His contract reflects his status as:

• A franchise cornerstone
• An elite power hitter
• A Gold Glove defender
• A player right in his prime

It might not be the very top salary in MLB, but it’s a great deal for a player with Olson’s consistency and skills at first base.

Potential Free Agency and Future Prospects

Olson’s current contract keeps him in Atlanta through 2029, or 2030 if the team picks up his option. He’ll be 35 if he hits free agency then.

That timing lines up with the end of several other star contracts from the early 2020s. The MLB landscape could look a lot different by then, with new TV deals or even expansion teams.

If Olson keeps producing in his early 30s, he might land another solid contract—probably shorter, but still lucrative. Power hitters like him tend to age better than speedsters.

The Braves could also look to extend him again if he keeps performing at an All-Star level as he gets older.

Financial Profile and Net Worth

Matt Olson has built up considerable wealth during his MLB career, thanks mostly to his big contract with the Braves. His financial picture includes salary, endorsements, and some investments.

Salary Progression Over the Years

Olson’s MLB earnings started out modestly with the Oakland A’s, but that changed fast. Once he proved himself as a top first baseman, Olson landed his 8-year, $168 million deal with Atlanta in 2022.

That contract was the biggest in Braves history at the time. Under its terms, Olson will make $22 million in 2025.

The structure of his deal gives him steady pay through 2030, putting him among the best-paid first basemen in the league.

Endorsements and Off-Field Earnings

Olson adds to his income with endorsements and partnerships. He hasn’t been a huge commercial presence like some MLB stars, but he’s picked up several regional and national deals.

He’s got equipment partnerships with baseball gear brands, thanks to his reputation for defense and power. These deals usually focus on batting gloves, first base mitts, and bats.

Since joining the Braves, Olson’s marketability has grown, especially in Atlanta. He’s made appearances at corporate and fan events, which brings in extra money.

Net Worth Estimates and Projections

As of 2023, Matt Olson’s net worth sits around $51.2 million, which is a big leap from a few years ago. Back in 2019, it was about $30.7 million, and it’s climbed steadily since then.

Some sources estimate his net worth as high as $175.7 million, but that likely includes future earnings from his current contract.

With several years left on his deal and a chance at more extensions, Olson’s wealth should keep growing as long as he stays healthy and productive.

Analysts at Yahoo Finance and elsewhere expect his assets to keep increasing, especially if he explores post-career opportunities in broadcasting or business.

Personal Life and Off-Field Impact

Off the field, Matt Olson keeps a pretty low profile but still finds ways to give back and maintain a positive image.

Community Involvement and Charity Work

Olson has quietly become known for his community work. After signing his big contract with Atlanta, he stepped up his philanthropy.

He joins the Braves’ community programs, taking part in youth clinics and hospital visits. Olson doesn’t look for attention, so a lot of his charitable work flies under the radar.

Back home, he supports education and youth sports programs. He prefers making an impact quietly, without a lot of fanfare.

Fans respect the way he genuinely tries to make a difference, especially with kids’ charities and baseball initiatives in underserved areas.

Media Presence and Public Image

Olson keeps a pretty modest social media presence compared to a lot of other pro athletes. Most of his posts stick to baseball, with the occasional peek into his life with his wife Nicole, whom he married in November 2021.

Sports journalists usually call out Olson for being hardworking and level-headed. They tend to focus on his steady performance and professional attitude instead of any off-field drama.

He stands at 1.96 meters tall, which definitely makes him look imposing. But in interviews, he comes across as soft-spoken.

Teammates say he leads quietly and lets his game do the talking.

Most news outlets cover Olson in a positive light, mainly highlighting his baseball achievements. That seems to fit with his own preference to keep the focus on what he does on the field, not his personal life.