Matt Olson the Oakland A’s obvious All Star choice

Every team gets one. No matter how putrid a roster, or how terrible a season, every team is represented in the All Star Game. In theory, it is a way for deserving players that would be otherwise overlooked to get in. In practicality, it leads to the likes of Mark Redman and Mike Williams to get that one bonus payout that they do not deserve.

Fortunately, this is not a situation that the Oakland A’s will find themselves this season. They have several deserving candidates for the Mid-Summer Classic in Colorado, and should be well represented. However, if the A’s only end up with one representative, that honor should belong to Matt Olson.

Matt Olson deserves All Star nod

Olson is certainly doing his part to ensure that he makes that trip. He had another stellar performance on Sunday, belting two homers as the A’s defeated the Royals 6-3. Both homers were launched, traveling over 420 feet as he continues to show that his disappointing 2020 campaign is behind him.

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That two homer game is just another tally mark for his excellent showing thus far. Heading into Monday, Olson has posted a .289/.374/.610 batting line in his 254 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 16 doubles. He has easily been the best hitter on the A’s this season, with the only thing that has slowed him down being a line drive he hit into his own face.

Although the defensive metrics may not indicate as such, Olson has been a key piece for the A’s in that aspect as well. His ability to corral virtually everything thrown his way helps the entire infield, making the A’s pitching staff that much better. It is an underappreciated talent, and one that is certainly noticed when he is on the diamond.

Despite his Gold Glove defense and excellent power over the years, Olson has been overshadowed. There have been plenty of slugging first basemen that had gotten attention over him, but that is set to change. With his dominant showing this year, and the A’s status atop the AL West, it is time that he makes his first All Star Game, showing his talents to a national audience.

Every team gets one All Star representative. While the Oakland A’s should have several players, Matt Olson is the one guarantee.