Silver Slugger: Matt Olson Joins Devers, Burleson, Bauers in NL First Base Race

Matt Olson is one of four National League first basemen named finalists for the 2026 Silver Slugger Award. Louisville Slugger released the position and team-specific finalist lists on Thursday.

The 32-year-old Olson led the National League in home runs, total bases, and runs scored during the regular season. He also ranked fourth in runs batted in and fifth in on-base plus slugging percentage among his peers at the position. His season statistics include a .251 batting average, 41 home runs, 93 runs batted in, and 314 total bases.

Olson finished with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .823 and an OPS+ rating of 123. He scored 99 runs while playing first base for the Atlanta Braves. The player was selected as an All-Star during this season.

Olson competes against three other players for the hardware at first base. Jake Bauers of the Milwaukee Brewers, Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Rafael Devers of the San Francisco Giants complete the field of finalists.

This marks the fourth time in the past five seasons that Olson has made the final four for the Silver Slugger Award. The player has not yet won the trophy, having finished second in 2021 and second in 2022. He has been a consistent top-five finisher in the voting across recent years.

The award recognizes the best defensive and offensive player at each position in both leagues. The final winners will be announced at the Silver Slugger Awards ceremony in Louisville on November 7. The event honors the players who demonstrated the highest combined value in their respective positions.

Olson’s selection as a finalist confirms his status as a top-tier performer in the National League. His statistical leadership in power metrics places him at the forefront of the award race. The other three finalists also posted strong seasonal numbers to earn their spots in the final four.