BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 26: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves takes batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 26, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves have spent much of the season proving they belong among baseball’s elite, and first baseman Matt Olson is one of the biggest reasons why.
As the Braves continue their surge at the top of baseball’s standings, Olson’s blend of durability, power and consistency has attracted attention from around the league — including from one of the New York Yankees’ most promising young stars.
New York Yankees’ Cam Schlittler Sends Matt Olson Message As Atlanta Braves Surge
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight” podcast, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler was asked if he had any questions for the veteran slugger, who would be following him as the show’s next guest. Immediately, he attempted to gain some insight on how the Braves’ left-handed slugger approaches southpaw pitchers.
“I think he does a great job against both sides, has been a very impressive guy to watch, especially the team as well, they’ve been on a roll,” Schlittler told podcast host Buster Olney. “I guess, maybe, (I want to ask about) the mindset on facing some of those tougher lefties in the league.”
Atlanta Braves Superstar Matt Olson Offers ‘Upper Hand’ Response To New York Yankees’ Cam Schlittler
Schlittler has quickly emerged as one of the Yankees’ most intriguing young arms and he’s a right-hander, but Olson took the question as a potential attempt to identify a weakness or improve left-handed pitchers’ approaches when they face him
As a result, Olson responded to Schlittler’s question by first noting that he would not provide a detailed answer about his approach to a competitor.
“I don’t know if he’s setting me up here a little bit,” Olson said, laughing, in response to Schlittler’s question. “I’m not giving him the full answer.”
But the slugger did offer some insight into his own philosophy about facing like-handed pitchers, which is traditionally seen as a weakness for hitters throughout baseball.
“I think the main thing is I’ve just always been the anti ‘lefties can’t hit lefties’ talk,” Olson added on the podcast. “I think the narrative has gone a little too far… I think people can spin it how they want, but I think as long as you don’t believe it yourself, you’ve got a little upper hand.”
Olson’s belief in himself is clearly working this season, as he has a .270/.340/.554 slash line with 20 homers so far while proving to be a durable star.
“Appropriately, Olson took a starring role on a day that MLB marked the 85th anniversary of Gehrig’s untimely death from ALS at age 37,” the Chattanooga Times Free Press’ Paul Newberry noted earlier this month. “Olson entered that game having played every day since May 2, 2021. His streak reached 845 consecutive games while helping the Braves continue one of the strongest starts in baseball.”
That combination of production and availability helps explain why even young players from opposing organizations seek out Olson’s perspective. But even if they ask him directly, the slugger won’t be divulging too much to opposing players.