Braves' Matt Olson creates home run history, ties team Ironman streak

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Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson continues to frustrate MLB Home Run Derby officials, declining an open invitation.

If only the three-time All-Star would change his mind and participate in the derby in Philadelphia.

To put on an entertaining opening act for the July 14 All-Star Game, quality, consistent sluggers are needed. Players like Olson, for example. Since joining the Braves in 2022, the 32-year-old has yet to miss an appearance and punctuated his outings by connecting on 171 home runs, fifth most in the MLB during that span.

A former Silver Slugger recipient, Olson clubbed his 25th home run of the season Thursday. It's what he does, reaching that milestone the past eight seasons.

The lone big league first baseman with 20 home runs and 20 doubles this season, Olson on Thursday appeared in his 740th consecutive game with the Braves. He tied Dale Murphy's franchise record, which ended July 9, 1986. Overall, Olson has appeared in 874 consecutive games, ninth most in league history.

After joining the Home Run Derby festivities before the home crowd in 2025, Olson elected not to participate next week. He connected on 15 homers in the first round last season, but was eliminated early by Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh, who compiled 17.

Olson's 404-foot solo blast Thursday came in the first inning off Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller (5-7). It was Olson's fifth homer in seven games and sparked the Braves to a 10-5 win at PNC Park.

Is there time for Olson to change his mind regarding the derby?