Michael Harris II could once again prove to be a dependable presence in the Braves’ outfield.
Atlanta Braves player Michael Harris II has experienced both peaks and valleys since bursting onto the scene as the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year.
The Braves center fielder has shown flashes of superstardom, but inconsistency has defined much of his four-year career. After a disastrous first half in 2025, Harris rebounded with a strong finish that reminded the organization and fans why his talent continues to inspire optimism.
Harris played a career-high 160 games last season, but his offensive struggles before the All-Star break were glaring. He owned an MLB-worst .551 OPS in the first half, raising questions about his ability to sustain production across a full season.
Yet adjustments to his batting stance in July sparked a turnaround. Over the second half of the season, the 24-year-old posted a .299 batting average, .315 on-base percentage, .845 OPS, 14 home runs and 42 RBIs.
That late surge has positioned Harris as one of MLB’s most intriguing bounce-back candidates heading into 2026, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves, who finished fourth in the NL East last season, are banking on internal improvements from their young core to return to postseason contention.
Harris’ ability to rediscover the consistency he displayed in 2022 could be pivotal. Bowman captured the sentiment surrounding Harris’ outlook. “Harris has exited each of the past three seasons as a top bounce-back candidate, and while the consistency he displayed in 2022 has eluded him, his talent and late-season surge provide reason to believe he can reemerge as a difference maker in 2026,” he wrote.
For a team eager to rebound from a disappointing 2025, Harris’ resurgence could be the key. His journey has been marked by adjustments, setbacks and flashes of brilliance. In 2026, the Braves are betting that those flashes finally evolve into sustained excellence.
Harris’ path to this point has been notable. Selected in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he quickly rose through Atlanta’s system and established himself as a dynamic presence in center field.
His glove and speed on the basepaths have never been in question, consistently ranking among the best in the league. What has held him back is the bat, and that is why his late-season turnaround in 2025 carries so much weight. If Harris can pair steady offensive production with his elite defense and athleticism, the Braves may finally see the complete player they envisioned years ago.