[1] Scott Olson served as his sons' youth baseball coach,[2] until high school.

He holds the Parkview High School and Gwinnett County records for wins and RBIs.

The Athletics purchased Olson's contract on September 12, 2016, and he was called up to the major league club.

On April 18, Olson hit his first career walk-off, an RBI single to secure a 12–11 comeback win over the Chicago White Sox.

[20] He also won his first Gold Glove Award, leading all AL first basemen with 14 defensive runs saved and an 11.6 ultimate zone rating.

The next day, he underwent successful surgery to remove the hamate bone from the hand, returning to the lineup on May 7.

[25] Olson struggled in the 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, batting .195, although he led the Oakland A's in games played (60), home runs (14), and RBIs (42).

[31] On March 14, 2022, the Athletics traded Olson to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Cristian Pache, Shea Langeliers, Joey Estes, and Ryan Cusick.

[34] At the time it was announced, the extension was the largest contract in team history, surpassing an eight-year deal worth $135 million signed by Freddie Freeman in 2014.

[38] Olson was one of two players in Major League Baseball to appear in all 162 games of the 2022 season, alongside teammate Dansby Swanson, who made 162 starts.

[42][43] Olson tied, then broke, Jones's franchise record for home runs in a season on September 12 and 16, respectively.

[46] After the 2023 season, Olson was named the winner of the National League Silver Slugger Award for first basemen.