​Braves first baseman Matt Olson continues to test the patience of MLB Home Run Derby officials by declining an open invitation, a decision he made after participating in the derby festivities ahead of the 2025 All-Star break. The Sporting News highlighted Olson’s status, noting that he remains reluctant to commit to the Philadelphia showcase, despite his reputation as a reliable power source for Atlanta. Since joining the Braves in 2022, Olson has been a constant presence on the field, appearing in every game possible and delivering consistent, hard-hitting production.
Olson, a three-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger winner, added another milestone to his resume when he hit his 25th home run of the season on Thursday. That tally marks a pattern for the 32-year-old hitter, who has reached that 25-homer mark in eight straight seasons. Among all big-league first basemen this year, Olson stands out as the only one with at least 20 homers and 20 doubles, underscoring his balanced power and gap-to-gap ability.
Thursday’s game at PNC Park saw Olson extend a remarkable consecutive-games streak with the Braves. He appeared in his 740th straight game for Atlanta, tying a franchise record set by Dale Murphy that endured until mid-1986. In the grand scope of MLB history, Olson’s current streak sits as the ninth-longest for any player with the same team, underscoring his durability and consistency.
Despite the lure of MLB’s Home Run Derby and the spotlight that accompanies it, Olson opted to skip the derby next week after showing up for the festivities in 2025. His performance in the previous year’s event was notable for a 15-homer first-round output, though he was eliminated early by Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who advanced with 17 homers. Olson’s power displayed again on Thursday when he launched a 404-foot solo shot in the first inning off Pirates starter Mitch Keller, giving the Braves a 1-0 lead in an eventual 10-5 victory at PNC Park. The homer marked Olson’s fifth long ball in seven games, a testament to the depth of his power as the Braves continue to build momentum.
As the All-Star break approaches, questions remain about whether Olson might reverse course and join the Derby after all. His ongoing streak of reliability and the Braves’ offensive consistency provide a compelling storyline, whether or not he steps onto the Derby stage. The broader context includes other tight races and standout performances across the league, with hitters like Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Ewing, and Shohei Ohtani contributing to a season full of memorable power displays and historic milestones.
In a landscape where early-season power has translated into late-season opportunities, Olson’s decision to skip or join the Derby is part of a larger conversation about the balance between individual accolades and team priorities. For now, Olson remains a fixture in Atlanta’s lineup, delivering homers, doubles, and durable performance that has defined his tenure with the Braves since 2022. With the All-Star Game just around the corner, the question remains whether Olson will change his mind about the Derby—or continue to opt out and focus on maintaining his impressive run of outings in Braves’ uniform. His ongoing contributions at first base, his consistency in plate discipline, and his ability to deliver crucial home runs will continue to shape the Braves’ offensive narrative as they navigate the remainder of the season.