Since bursting onto the scene in 2022, Michael Harris II has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves’ outfield. But now, the former NL Rookie of the Year is stuck in a deep offensive slump — one that may soon warrant a reset in Triple-A.
A Cold Bat in the Braves’ Lineup
Harris is hitting just .212/.238/.320 this season, a steep drop from his career .271 average. June has been particularly rough, with Harris slashing a dismal .148/.165/.261 for the month.
In his last 14 games, he’s hitting just .102, and over the past week? An almost unthinkable .043/.080/.043 line, with a .123 OPS that ranks among the lowest in baseball during that span.
Advanced stats paint an even more troubling picture: Harris ranks in the bottom 5% of MLB hitters in batting run value, chase rate, and walk rate — all indicators of his current lack of plate discipline and productivity. Even more striking, his swing run value sits in the bottom 1% league-wide.
Still a Defensive Star
While his bat has gone quiet, Harris remains a standout in the field. He ranks in the 95th percentile in fielding run value and 97th percentile in outfield range. His arm strength is better than 86% of players, and he’s still a threat on the bases with top-20% sprint speed.
What Comes Next?
For now, Harris’s elite defense is keeping him in the lineup — but with the Braves dropping three straight, including a 9-0 blowout to the Phillies, that leash may be getting shorter.
A temporary demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett could give Harris a chance to work on his swing in a lower-pressure environment, while giving the Braves the flexibility to inject some offense into their struggling lineup.
With postseason hopes slipping, Atlanta may need to make tough calls — and Harris’s future could be part of that conversation.
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