JUST IN: Braves teammates made clear hilarious response regarding Matt Olson’s speed
Matt Olson, the standout player for the Atlanta Braves in 2023, demonstrated his prowess with an impressive performance, leading Major League Baseball in both home runs (54) and runs batted in (139), setting franchise records in the process. Despite his remarkable achievements, Olson’s lack of speed on the basepaths became a recurring joke among his teammates throughout the season.
In a humorous interview with Bally Sports: Braves on X, Olson and several of his teammates engaged in banter about his speed, or lack thereof. When asked if he considered himself fast, Olson cheekily replied, “No, but I take good angles.”
๐๐บ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐? ๐จ
Matt Olson asked the question about his speed.
We tried to find the answer. pic.twitter.com/KH0ARnjK5e
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) February 17, 2024
Teammates Max Fried, Tyler Matzek, Travis d’Arnaud, and A.J. Minter joined in, poking fun at Olson’s speed while acknowledging his rare triples from the previous season. Matzek jokingly dismissed Olson’s triples as “luck” and playfully took a jab at Sean Murphy’s speed, quipping, “Speed was not a point of emphasis for the guys we got from Oakland.”
A challenge was issued by Braves relief pitcher A.J. Minter, claiming he could outrun Olson, sparking anticipation for a showdown during Spring Training to settle the matter.
Reflecting on his triples, Olson recounted different celebratory moments, particularly emphasizing his final triple of 2023 when he gestured towards the Braves dugout, holding up three fingers to remind his teammates of his baserunning capabilities when necessary. This gesture was specifically directed at Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud, one of the players who teased Olson in the clubhouse, with even coach Ron Washington joining in on the fun by flashing the number three back towards the dugout.
Olson’s former teammate, Joey Wendle, now with the Miami Marlins, also received playful retaliation when Olson ripped a triple against Miami and questioned his speed, referencing Wendle’s original teasing.
While Olson’s three triples in 2023 marked a career-high for him in a single season, fans can look forward to more impressive home runs and amusing baserunning moments from him in the upcoming 2024 season. Despite never being known as the fastest player in baseball, Olson’s antics on the field, accompanied by the Braves’ camaraderie, promise continued entertainment for fans.