The Atlanta Braves’ 2024 season ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card Series. Injuries played a major role in their struggles, with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider missing most of the season and Chris Sale sidelined for the playoffs. Despite entering the year with World Series aspirations, the Braves suffered an early exit.
First baseman Matt Olson remained healthy but endured one of his worst seasons. Speaking with Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Olson reflected on his performance and his hopes for 2025.
“[Last season] wasn’t the year you set out to have,” Olson admitted. “I was proud of the way I was able to battle back in the second half and help the team. I think I was trying to do a little too much early on.”
He added, “I found a way to do what I do, which is drive in runs and provide power in the middle of the lineup. It’s the fun of it. You always get to go back to the drawing board and see how you can improve.”
Olson finished 2024 with 29 home runs—his lowest total in a full 162-game season. This was a stark contrast to his dominant 2023 campaign, where he led the league with 54 homers and 139 RBIs, finishing fourth in MVP voting. If the Braves hope to contend, they’ll need Olson to return to that elite form.
The National League East will be fiercely competitive in 2025. The Phillies enter the season with high expectations after a strong 2024, while the Mets finished ahead of Atlanta last year—without Juan Soto. If Olson can regain his 2023 production, the Braves have a shot at reclaiming the division title.
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