Matt Olson is off to an absolute scorcher of a start in 2026, and the Atlanta Braves are reaping the rewards. Despite a spring training riddled with injuries that had many writing them off, the Braves have stormed out of the gate with a dominant 22-10 record, holding a comfortable lead in the National League East. At the heart of this early-season surge is their star first baseman, who is playing like a man on a mission.

Olson is currently leading the team with nine home runs, slashing an impressive .296/.371/.616. But what exactly makes his performance MVP-caliber? For starters, he's making elite-level contact. Olson ranks in the 95th percentile for barrel percentage and the 96th percentile for batting run value, while also sitting in the 83rd percentile for hard-hit percentage. Translation: he's squaring up the ball consistently and driving it with authority.

A key factor in his hot start is his approach at the plate. Olson's 6.3 percent home run rate is his best since his spectacular 2023 campaign, and he's hitting fly balls at his highest rate in that same span. This combination of elevated contact and raw power is a recipe for sustained success, and it's exactly what has made him one of the game's premier first basemen for years.

At 32 years old, Olson has never won an MVP award, though he came close in 2023 when he finished fourth in National League voting. Winning the award in the current era is no small feat, especially with Shohei Ohtani's two-way dominance looming large. To take home the hardware, Olson would likely need a historic offensive season. But regardless of the final vote, one thing is clear: his performance has been the backbone of Atlanta's unexpected rise, proving that this team is far from counted out. If Olson keeps swinging like this, the Braves' 2026 story is only just beginning.