NORTH PORT, Fla. — You may get a way of how good Michael Harris II is feeling by merely asking him what his targets are for the upcoming season.
“I’d wish to be an All-Star and eventually win the Gold Glove,” Harris mentioned. “Win the World Collection. Get a Silver Slugger.”
Lofty targets? Positive. However all of them appear attainable for this extremely gifted outfielder, who could also be on the verge of turning into Atlanta’s newest famous person.
“It’s loopy to suppose what this child is able to,” Braves supervisor Brian Snitker mentioned. “That ball coming off his bat is one thing else. He’s nonetheless maturing and growing. However what he’s able to is off the charts.”
Harris has hit .295 with 37 dwelling runs and a 123 OPS+ via the primary 980 plate appearances of his profession. He’s considered one of simply 15 gamers since 2000 to submit a OPS+ of 120 or greater via that many plate appearances at 22 or youthful, becoming a member of the likes of teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. and sure Corridor of Famers in Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout.
Being included with this MVP-laden group actually enhances pleasure about what Harris might accomplish over the following few seasons.
“Mentally and emotionally, it’s not a curler coaster experience with Mike,” Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer mentioned. “He’s lots like Nick Markakis was. He was the identical man day-after-day. You didn’t know if he was sizzling. Didn’t know if he wasn’t. He simply reveals up, does his work and makes changes when he must. He’s been loads of enjoyable to be round.”
Harris has been a key to Atlanta’s success going again to late Might 2022, when the Braves promoted him from Double-A Mississippi with only one full skilled season below his belt. He was named Nationwide League Rookie of the 12 months a number of months later and didn’t expertise rising pains till the beginning of final season.
Harris tweaked his again when he slammed into St. Louis’ outfield wall and landed on the injured record in April. He strained his again whereas lifting weights a short while later, which delayed his return and marked the beginning of a forgettable two-month stretch. By June 6, he’d hit .163 with a .490 OPS via 138 plate appearances.
“I’m truly glad I did what I did final 12 months,” Harris mentioned. “I received to study from it, after which I received again on monitor. So now I do know what works for me, and when every little thing goes unsuitable, what to search for and what to vary. What I didn’t do proper and understanding what I can do after I’m doing the appropriate issues can assist take me fairly far this season.”
Harris highlighted a three-hit efficiency with an eighth-inning game-winning dwelling run in opposition to the Mets on June 7. This marked the beginning of a 100-game stretch throughout which the Braves heart fielder hit .335 with 16 homers and a .912 OPS. He ranked fourth amongst certified MLB gamers in batting common and thirteenth in OPS throughout this stretch.
“You noticed a man who received his first style of failure within the large leagues,” starter Max Fried mentioned. “To have the ability to face it, get via it and have the turnaround he did whereas being that younger was spectacular. You’ll be able to see the boldness in him this 12 months. He is aware of the form of participant he’s.”
Harris actually appears to be trying ahead to the beginning of the common season. He has gone 8-for-20 with three dwelling runs and a double via his first eight Grapefruit League video games.
“Proper now, he is perhaps even just a little higher [than he was last year],” Seitzer mentioned. “He’s in an important place. His timing is nice and his swing is nice. His swing is free and he’s pulling the ball with some authority, which is de facto nice to see.”
Harris graduated from suburban Atlanta’s Stockbridge Excessive Faculty simply 5 years in the past. He has already earned an eight-year, $72 million take care of his hometown crew. Now, he’s trying to assist his metropolis have fun its second World Collection title prior to now 4 years.
If all goes nicely, he’d additionally achieve an All-Star choice, Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger Award alongside the way in which.
