Matt Olson's journey in Major League Baseball is a classic tale of talent meeting opportunity, culminating in a staggering financial transformation. The first baseman did not enter the league as a highly-paid star; his early earnings reflected the grind of a young player establishing himself. However, a single, pivotal trade reshaped his career and bank account forever, propelling him into the upper echelon of baseball's earners.
The Financial Meteoric Rise of Matt Olson
Olson's path to wealth began modestly. Drafted by the Oakland Athletics, his rookie season in 2016 saw him earn a base salary of just $58,233. As his defensive prowess at first base became undeniable, his income grew, reaching $5 million by 2021. The game-changing moment arrived in March 2022, when the Atlanta Braves acquired him in a trade.
His salary immediately skyrocketed to $15 million for the 2022 season. This was just the beginning. Following a monstrous 2023 offensive season where he led the National League with 54 home runs and earned All-MLB Second Team honors, his pay jumped to $21 million. The Braves' long-term commitment solidified his status, with his annual salary now set at $22 million from 2024 through 2029. By early 2026, his career earnings from his playing contract alone had surpassed a remarkable $175 million.
This consistent performance and pay have cemented Olson's place among baseball's financial elite. He is now ranked among the top-10 highest-paid first basemen in the league, a testament to his blend of elite defense and formidable power at the plate.
Atlanta's $168 Million Bet on a Franchise Cornerstone
The Braves' decision to invest in Olson was both strategic and significant. Just days after trading for him in March 2022, the franchise secured his future with an eight-year, $168 million contract extension that runs through 2029, with a club option for 2030. This move came in the wake of franchise icon Freddie Freeman's departure, signaling a new era for the team.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos hailed the deal as a commitment to the team's core, specifically praising Olson's Gold Glove-caliber defense and untapped offensive potential. The Braves traded four prospects to Oakland, betting that Olson's left-handed power would thrive at Truist Park. The contract structure reflects a clear plan:
- $15 million in 2022
- $21 million in 2023
- $22 million annually from 2024 to 2029
As of 2025, Olson's $22 million salary forms a crucial part of the Braves' core financial commitments, placing him alongside stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley as pillars of the franchise.
Family Life and Stability in Atlanta
Away from the diamond, Olson has built a peaceful and grounded family life in Atlanta. He married his college sweetheart, Nicole McFadyen, in November 2021. The couple, who met at the University of Georgia, welcomed their first child, a son named Owen, in December 2024.
In interviews, Olson has openly shared the joy of fatherhood, joking about his son's size at birth and the new, sleep-deprived reality. He expressed his happiness at raising his family in Atlanta, a city he now calls home. The Olsons are active in their community, with Nicole participating in charity events like the 2024 ReClif Diamond Casino Night fundraiser for children's health.
This personal stability off the field complements his professional reliability on it. Through over 1,200 games, Olson has compiled impressive career statistics, including more than 1,150 hits and a high Wins Above Replacement (WAR) figure, proving that the Braves' massive financial investment was built on a foundation of consistent, all-star performance.
