Career Timeline of Matt Olson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Matt Olson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Matt Olson is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Atlanta Braves in MLB. Before joining the Braves, he played for the Oakland Athletics. He is known for his power hitting and defensive skills at first base.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: State Championship and MLB Draft

In 2012, Matt Olson led the Parkview Panthers to back-to-back state championships. After graduating from high school, Olson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.

2012: Drafted by Oakland Athletics

In 2012, Olson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the MLB draft.

2013: Plays with the Beloit Snappers

In 2013, Matt Olson played with the Beloit Snappers, hitting .225 with 23 home runs and 93 RBIs in 134 games.

2014: Plays with Stockton Ports

In 2014, Matt Olson played with the Stockton Ports, where he batted .262 with 37 home runs and 97 RBIs in 138 games.

2015: Plays with Midland RockHounds

In 2015, Matt Olson played with the Midland RockHounds, hitting .249 with 17 home runs and 75 RBIs in 133 games.

September 12, 2016: Contract Purchased and Called to Major League

On September 12, 2016, the Athletics purchased Olson's contract and called him up to the major league club. He played in 11 games for Oakland.

2016: Plays with Nashville Sounds

In 2016, Matt Olson played the entire minor league season with the Nashville Sounds, batting .235 with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs in 131 games.

2016: MLB Debut

In 2016, Olson made his Major League Baseball debut with the Oakland Athletics.

2017: Split Time Between Nashville and Oakland

In 2017, Olson split time between Nashville and Oakland. He hit .259 with 24 home runs and 45 RBIs in 59 games for Oakland. With Oakland, he hit 13 in September and one in five straight games.

2018: Plays Full Season with Oakland and Wins Gold Glove

In 2018, Matt Olson played all 162 games with Oakland, hitting .247 with 29 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also won his first Gold Glove Award.

2019: Opening Series in Tokyo and Second Gold Glove

In 2019, Matt Olson played in the Opening Series in Tokyo, Japan. He underwent surgery to remove the hamate bone from his right hand. He also received his second consecutive Gold Glove Award for his defensive performance.

July 24, 2020: Hits Opening Day Walk-Off Grand Slam

On July 24, 2020, Matt Olson hit the first Opening Day walk-off grand slam since 1986. The 2020 season was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: All-Star Selection

In 2021, Matt Olson was selected for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game to represent the American League and participated in the 2021 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby.

March 14, 2022: Traded to Atlanta Braves

On March 14, 2022, Matt Olson was traded from the Athletics to the Atlanta Braves.

2022: Trade to Atlanta Braves and Contract Extension

Prior to the 2022 season, Olson was traded to the Atlanta Braves and signed an eight-year contract extension.

2023: Nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

In 2023, Matt Olson was the Atlanta Braves' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award.

2023: Franchise Record for Home Runs in a Season

In the 2023 season, Matt Olson was nominated as a reserve infielder for the National League in the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. On September 16, 2023, Olson broke the franchise record for home runs in a season with 54.