NORTH PORT, Fla. — A Promising Season for Michael Harris II?
With Michael Harris II drawing walks in nearly 15 percent of his plate appearances during the Grapefruit League, should we be optimistic about his potential to become an All-Star or even an MVP candidate this year?
Talent Recognized by Peers
“From the first time I really saw him play, I’ve said he’s one of the most talented individuals on the field every time he’s out there,” said Braves first baseman Matt Olson. “Watching him in batting practice, his power is among the best on our team. He can hit challenging pitches and is one of the top center fielders I’ve played with. I believe he has the potential to achieve something remarkable.”
Possibility of a 30-30 Season
Could Harris achieve a 30-home run, 30-stolen base season? This seems plausible, especially since expectations were high for the 2022 NL Rookie of the Year to reach this milestone last year. However, he struggled before the All-Star break with a league-low .551 OPS. Despite this, he still ended the season with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Improvements Needed
“He’s just a few swing decisions away from stardom,” commented Braves manager Walt Weiss. “Defensively, he’s already a star, and he consistently hits the ball hard. The key is for him to force pitchers to throw in the strike zone, facilitating his rise to the next level.”
Spring Training Insights
While spring training stats may not be definitive, they can sometimes indicate trends that continue into the regular season. Harris began Saturday with a 14.8 percent walk rate (four walks in 27 plate appearances), a stark contrast to his 2.5 percent rate (16 walks in 641 PAs) during the 2025 regular season, which ranks among the lowest since 2000.
Focus on Plate Discipline
“Improving my plate discipline is a priority for me right now,” Harris mentioned. “This is crucial not only for my development but also for helping the team significantly. My current focus is on swinging at pitches I can handle.”
Past Adjustments and Future Potential
This marks Harris’ fifth year in the Major Leagues, though it’s only his sixth full season since graduating from Stockbridge High School in suburban Atlanta. After playing just 53 games post-draft in 2019, a canceled 2020 season, and a modest 2021 season at the High-A level, he faced some challenges upon his call-up to the majors. However, he adjusted his batting stance mid-season last year, resulting in significant gains. Between July 18 and August 19, Harris recorded a 1.139 OPS. After a downturn, he closed out the season strong with a .968 OPS in his last 14 games.
