Braves Country, let’s talk about the elephant in the outfield — Michael Harris II, aka “Money Mike,” the hometown hero, the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year, the guy who practically lives in FanDuel commercials and has more drip than a busted pipe… is just not getting it done at the plate. At all.
We’re 34 games into this rollercoaster of a season, and Harris is slashing a brutal .215/.232/.333. That’s not a slump. That’s a siren. Before you call me a hater, I am a huge fan of the guy. I love the way he has progressed since his rookie season, and I love a charismatic, high-energy centerfielder with an unbelievable glove.
But when Jarred Kelenic, who’s already been shipped off to Gwinnett, is giving you a run for your money as the weakest bat in the lineup… it’s time for a serious look in the mirror.
Manager Brian Snitker might not be the type to drop the hammer, but if you read between the lines, you can already feel it: the winds are changing in the Braves’ outfield.
Verdugo, White, and the New Outfield Reality
Let’s look at Tuesday night’s lineup against the Reds. Harris was batting eighth. Below Eli White, a guy who was barely even on the radar in spring training. And above Nick Allen, a glove-first shortstop who isn’t expected to light up the scoreboard. When you’ve got a former Rookie of the Year buried that deep, you’re not hiding him — you’re giving him a warning shot.
Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo has come out swinging, and Eli White is proving he’s more than just a defensive plug-in. These guys are earning their spots with quality at-bats and hustle. Verdugo especially is giving the Braves something they’ve desperately needed: consistent contact and some fire in the batter’s box.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. working his way back from another ACL recovery, the window is wide open for someone to lock down playing time. And guess what? It’s not guaranteed to be Harris.
Snitker’s Dilemma: Loyalty vs. Braves Lineup Logic
Do I think Snitker has the guts to bench Michael Harris II outright? Probably not. This team has always leaned on loyalty, especially with homegrown stars. But there’s a difference between loyalty and stubbornness, and the Braves are teetering close to the line.
Moving him down from the top of the lineup made sense and Harris actually started playing better. Unfortunately, that performance stalled out and his was moved down in the lineup even further.
When Acuña comes back, and that day is coming, the Braves will have four outfielders: two right-handed bats (Acuña and White) and two lefties (Harris and Verdugo). That screams platoon.
Snitker isn’t a natural tinkerer, but this season has forced him to make adjustments he’d usually shy away from. Harris may still start most games, but that slash line needs to tick up soon.
The Glove Will Keep Him In, But the Bat Could Push Him Out
Let’s not sugarcoat it — Michael Harris II is not untouchable. The glove is gold. The charisma is electric. But baseball is about production, not popularity. You can’t win games with vibes.
And while Harris still has time to turn it around, the clock is ticking. For all its star power, this Braves team cannot afford a black hole at the bottom of the lineup.
At 17-18, they’ve clawed back to respectability after an 0-7 start, but the margin for error is razor thin. If Harris wants to keep hearing the roar of Truist Park instead of the crickets in Gwinnett, he needs to bring something to the plate for the Atlanta Braves.
