Braves News: Matt Olson drops optimistic take amid Braves’ underperformance

First baseman Matt Olson got brutally honest on the Atlanta Braves’ underperformance to begin the 2025 MLB season.

Atlanta Braves first base Matt Olson (28) reacts after striking out with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The Atlanta Braves’ underperformance continued on Friday night as they were defeated 5-1 by the Boston Red Sox. Atlanta now holds a 26-30 record overall, and the team has continued to trend in the wrong direction in the National League East standings.

The Braves are currently in fourth place in the division, sitting 9.5 games back of the first-place Philadelphia Phillies. First baseman Matt Olson is not giving up hope, though.

“I still think we’re right on the edge of turning this thing around and playing the baseball we can play,” Olson said, via Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

The Braves have been one of the most consistent contenders in recent memory. Atlanta always seems to be in the postseason conversation.

It would not surprise anyone around the MLB world to see the team turn things around. In fact, most of the MLB world probably expects the Braves to find their footing soon.

Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that Atlanta has failed to meet preseason expectations. Injuries have played a role, but Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider have returned. Yet, the Braves still continue to slump overall.

Matt Olson is among the Braves who have struggled to begin the ’25 campaign. The 31-year-old slugger currently holds a .238/.336/.457 slash line to go along with a .793 OPS. He’s also hit 12 home runs and 10 doubles.

A number of Braves hitters have underperformed up to this point in the 2025 season. Atlanta’s pitching has endured its ups and downs. At the end of the day, it is difficult to envision this Braves ball club playing under .500 baseball all season long.

Optimism remains, but the Braves need to get things going sooner rather than later. Atlanta will attempt to bounce back on Saturday afternoon in a home matchup against the Red Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.