With the Atlanta Braves having fallen out of contention in the National League, the team isn’t winning anything of note this season. Even if the team has a run left in them, it would take a miracle to find their way back into the postseason picture. With this in mind, it would be special to see a Brave win something of note in the 2025 season. While the Home Run Derby might not be a prestigious award, watching Matt Olson win in his home park would be a special sight for frustrated Atlanta fans. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, this was supposed to be the year the team took a leap forward.
Still, there are reasons to believe that this core is going to turn things around next season. Atlanta simply needs a front office capable of embracing adding depth and for a bit of positive regression. This is overdue, both when it comes to injuries in the starting rotation and offensive improvement.
Matt Olson is the Braves' Lone Shot of Winning Anything in 2025
While this does help the team’s outlook for future seasons, it doesn’t take away this year’s misery. Having Olson win the Home Run Derby in front of a home crowd would be an incredibly fun moment for a disgruntled group of fans. It doesn’t wash away this year’s failures, but it does help ease the pain just a bit.
Hopes of this happening are aided by the fact that this year’s field isn’t terribly daunting. With past winners opting out and the biggest stars continuing to focus on regular season results, Olson has an argument as the most experienced power threat in the bracket.
Olson will be joined by Ronald Acuna Jr. and Brian Snitker, who were both named to the roster on the team’s home field. While Chris Sale received the honor as well, the pitcher is still recovering from a rib fracture he suffered when making a diving play in the game’s final frame.
This furthers the point of the season’s frustration and how relieving it would be to see something positive happen for Atlanta. Olson has a chance to accomplish this and begin the second half on a high note for a struggling franchise.