Matthew Kent Olson Biography: Age, Height, Contracts, Brother, Stats, Trade

Early Life and Background

Matthew Kent Olson, popularly known as Matt Olson, was born on March 29, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Growing up in the suburbs of Lilburn, Georgia, Matt developed a passion for baseball from a very young age. His family encouraged his sporting interests, and his natural athletic ability became clear as he began playing organized baseball in his community.

Matt attended Parkview High School, a school known for producing talented athletes. There, he was a standout player, excelling both as a pitcher and a first baseman. Coaches praised his strong arm, powerful swing, and disciplined approach to the game. His performances helped Parkview win state championships and drew the attention of college recruiters and professional scouts. By the time he graduated, Matt Olson was already on the radar as one of the most promising young players in the state of Georgia.

Path to Professional Baseball

After his high school success, Olson faced a decision between attending college at Vanderbilt University, where he had committed, or going straight into professional baseball. The decision was made for him when the Oakland Athletics selected him in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Choosing to pursue his professional dream, Matt signed with the A’s and began his journey through the minor leagues.

The early years of his professional career were spent developing in the A’s farm system. Olson’s reputation grew quickly thanks to his powerful bat and his defensive skills at first base. He became known for his home run power, patience at the plate, and ability to get on base. Coaches also noted his strong work ethic and focus, qualities that helped him progress through the minor league levels.

Major League Debut

Matt Olson made his Major League Baseball debut on September 12, 2016, with the Oakland Athletics. Like many rookies, his first season was short but important for building confidence and adjusting to the speed of the game at the highest level.

By 2017, Olson had established himself as a force in the Athletics’ lineup. That season, he hit an impressive 24 home runs in just 59 games, showing the baseball world his immense power. His quick rise made him one of Oakland’s most exciting young players and a cornerstone for their future.

Career with the Oakland Athletics

During his years with the Athletics, Matt Olson became known as one of the best defensive first basemen in Major League Baseball. His fielding was recognized with two Gold Glove Awards in 2018 and 2019, proving he was not only a power hitter but also an elite defender.

Offensively, he continued to produce home runs and drive in runs consistently. By combining power with patience at the plate, Olson developed into one of the American League’s top first basemen. His time in Oakland cemented his reputation as a complete player – dangerous at bat and reliable in the field.

Move to the Atlanta Braves

In March 2022, Matt Olson’s career took a new turn when he was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Atlanta Braves, his hometown team. The Braves had just lost Freddie Freeman, a longtime fan favorite and star first baseman, and Olson was brought in as his replacement.

This was no small responsibility, but Matt embraced it with maturity. In his first season with the Braves, he quickly won over fans with his powerful bat and smooth defense. The Braves showed their belief in him by signing him to a long-term contract extension shortly after the trade.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Matt Olson’s career has been filled with remarkable achievements. He is a multiple-time All-Star and has received recognition for both his offensive and defensive abilities. His Gold Glove Awards highlighted his excellence at first base, while his consistent home run numbers proved his strength as a hitter.

A career highlight came in 2023, when Olson hit 54 home runs and drove in more than 130 runs, leading the National League in both categories. This performance not only set records but also established him as one of the most dominant sluggers in the game. His ability to hit for power while maintaining defensive reliability made him one of the best all-round first basemen in MLB.

Playing Style and Strengths

Matt Olson is known for being a power-hitting first baseman with a smooth left-handed swing. His ability to drive the ball out of the park to all fields makes him a constant threat to opposing pitchers. He is also disciplined at the plate, often working long at-bats and drawing walks.

Defensively, Olson has earned respect as one of the best first basemen in the league. His quick reactions, strong glove, and ability to stretch for difficult catches save his team runs and provide confidence to infielders. This combination of offense and defense is rare and makes Olson a complete player.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Matt Olson is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. He comes from a close-knit family that has supported him throughout his career. In 2021, Olson married his longtime partner, Nicole Kidder, and the couple has kept a low profile while occasionally sharing moments of their life together.

Away from baseball, Olson is described as humble, hardworking, and focused. He values giving back to the community and has participated in several charitable activities. Teammates often describe him as a leader who leads by example rather than words.

Age and Physical Attributes

As of 2025, Matt Olson is 31 years old. He stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall and weighs around 225 pounds (102 kg). His tall and powerful frame suits his role perfectly, allowing him to generate power at the plate and provide excellent reach at first base.

Net Worth

By 2025, Matt Olson’s estimated net worth is around $25 million – $35 million. Most of his income comes from his MLB salary, especially after signing his long-term deal with the Atlanta Braves. Additional income comes from endorsements and sponsorships, though Olson tends to stay focused on baseball rather than media appearances.

With his contract in Atlanta and continued success, his financial growth is secure for years to come.

Future Outlook and Legacy

Matt Olson’s career trajectory suggests he is on his way to being remembered as one of the best first basemen of his generation. His combination of power hitting, defensive excellence, and leadership makes him invaluable to the Braves.

As he enters his early 30s, he is in the prime of his career. If he maintains his level of production, he could continue to break records and lead the Braves to further playoff success. His 2023 season already placed him among the elite sluggers in MLB history, and future seasons may only add to his legacy.

For the city of Atlanta, Olson represents not only a hometown hero but also a worthy successor to Freddie Freeman. His ability to handle that pressure with grace and performance has won over fans and solidified his place in Braves history.

Conclusion

Matt Olson’s biography is a story of talent, perseverance, and consistency. From a young boy in Georgia with dreams of playing professional baseball to becoming one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball, his journey reflects dedication and resilience.

With multiple awards, record-breaking performances, and a secure future with the Atlanta Braves, Olson’s career is already remarkable. Yet, at just 31, his best years may still be ahead of him.

For fans of the Braves and baseball in general, Matt Olson stands as proof that hard work, discipline, and humility can take you to the very top. His legacy is still being written, but one thing is certain: Matt Olson is already among the modern greats of the game.