Matt Olson emerging as a leading National League MVP candidate

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson has emerged as a leading National League MVP candidate in 2026, batting .272 with 19 home runs, 49 RBIs, 69 runs scored, and an .877 OPS through the first two months of the season. His RBI total ranks among the best in the NL, and he leads in categories such as total bases, extra-base hits, slugging percentage, and offensive WAR. Olson has been a reliable and durable centerpiece for Atlanta, recently hitting a go-ahead home run against the Toronto Blue Jays and delivering multiple game-winning hits.