Matt Olson is making a compelling case as the hottest hitter in baseball right now, and it's all about how he handles pitches that most sluggers struggle with—the ones thrown inside.

In a recent showdown against Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, Olson lost a nine-pitch battle in the first inning when third baseman Colt Keith made a highlight-reel grab. But here's the thing: Olson might have actually won the war. Leading off the fourth, he crept closer to the plate, daring Skubal to challenge him inside. On the eighth pitch of the at-bat, Olson tracked a 98-mph sinker and punched a single to right field. It was a masterclass in patience and pitch recognition.

Since 2023, Olson ranks fifth in the majors in slugging percentage on inside pitches. That ability to bait pitchers—both right- and left-handed—into attacking him inside has fueled his torrid start for a Braves team that's running away with the NL East before summer even arrives.

Is Olson playing the best brand of baseball in the league right now? The numbers say yes. Entering Wednesday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners, he leads the majors in doubles (15), RBI (33), and runs scored (35). He's the first player to top all three categories since Ted Williams in 1949. That's Hall of Fame company.

At 32 years old, Olson's current tear mirrors his monster 2023 campaign, when he led the big leagues with 54 home runs and 139 RBI. His production has been a driving force behind Atlanta's resurgence after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017. The Braves are off to their best start since the 1892 Boston Beaneaters—yes, that's not a typo.

By controlling the inside portion of the plate, Olson joined an elite club on Monday when he crushed his 300th career home run. He's only the seventh first baseman to reach that milestone in fewer than 1,260 at-bats, putting him in the same sentence as Mark McGwire. If he keeps tracking inside pitches like this, a Hall of Fame path is looking more and more real.