The Atlanta Braves’ center fielder, Michael Harris II, is getting some serious recognition as a dark horse MVP candidate.
Honestly, it’s not hard to see why. When this guy is locked in, he’s a game-changer, and the experts over at MLB.com are taking notice.
Strong Finish to 2024 Braves Season Fuels the Hype
Harris hasn’t had smooth sailing since his 2022 Rookie of the Year campaign. Injuries and inconsistency have slowed him down the last couple of seasons, making it tough for him to build on that debut says MLB.com.
But here’s the thing: he’s a nightmare for opposing pitchers when he’s healthy and in rhythm. And if you were paying attention late last season, you saw exactly what he’s capable of.
Down the stretch in 2024, Harris was one of the hottest hitters in the game. He put up a .923 OPS in September, and when the Braves squared off against the Padres in the Wild Card Series, he went 5-for-8, including a home run.
To put that in perspective, only two baseball players managed 120 or more plate appearances with a .900+ OPS in September: Shohei Ohtani and Michael Harris. That’s some pretty elite company.
A Defensive Asset That Elevates His Value
But Harris isn’t just about the bat—his defense in center field is elite. His range ranked in the 93rd percentile last year and posted a career-best eight Outs Above Average. That kind of glove work, combined with his potential at the plate, makes him a serious weapon for Atlanta.
The Braves already boast one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, and Harris’s further development will only add to their offensive firepower.
Right now, he’s usually penciled in for the bottom half of the order, but with Ronald Acuña Jr. out to start the year, there’s a chance Harris could step into the leadoff spot.
Spring Struggles, but Long-Term Potential
Of course, Braves fans are hoping that late-season surge carries over into 2025. If Harris truly breaks out, this already-stacked lineup becomes even scarier.
Before Braves fans get too excited, there’s a little reality check—Harris is off to a slow start this spring, hitting just .125 (2-for-16) in his first seven games. But hey, it’s Spring Training. Numbers can be misleading, and it’s all about getting reps and finding a groove.
The real test starts when the games count, and if Harris picks up where he left off in September, don’t be surprised if his name starts popping up in MVP conversations all summer long.
