Ronald Acuña and 2 more Braves who could be dark horse MVP candidates

Braves first baseman Matt Olson could be a dark horse MVP candidate.

Michael Harris had a terrific first season in the big leagues, received MVP consideration, and won the Rookie of the Year Award. However, as we saw with 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India last season, sustained success isn’t as easy as it would seem.

With that in mind, perhaps Matt Olson is the better bet to come out on top as the National League Most Valuable Player. Olson received MVP consideration in the American League while he was with the Oakland Athletics in 2021.

Olson was traded to Atlanta last season and had a very nice 2022 campaign with the Braves. Olson slashed .240/.325/.477 and slugged 34 home runs, just five off his career best with the A’s back in 2021.

With the likes of Paul Goldschmidt, Pete Alonso, and former Atlanta Braves great Freddie Freeman occupying first base in the National League, it’s easy for a guy like Matt Olson to get lost in the shuffle.

But Olson’s numbers are nothing to sneeze at, and the 28-year-old boasts obviously the best glove at the position. Look for Year 2 with the Braves to be a very positive one for Olson, one that may end with the Atlanta native winning NL MVP honors.