Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II endured a challenging first half of the 2025 season but showed promise in the second half with key adjustments to his swing. Despite inconsistencies since his 2022 Rookie of the Year win, teammates remain optimistic about his potential. Harris played a career-high 160 games last year, setting the stage for renewed expectations.
Michael Harris II's 2025 season with the Atlanta Braves was a tale of two halves. Entering the All-Star break, he ranked last among qualified MLB players with a .551 OPS, marking one of his most difficult stretches since his breakout 2022 campaign, when he earned National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Battling inconsistencies over the past three seasons, Harris has repeatedly been viewed as a prime bounceback candidate. In 2024, he finished August with a .652 OPS and surged to .923 OPS over 26 September games. Former manager Brian Snitker noted the excitement of seeing Harris stay healthy for a full season.
Yet 2025 brought fresh hurdles. Despite playing 160 games—22 more than his prior high—early struggles dashed hopes for an All-Star nod or a 30-homer, 30-stolen base year. Desperate for change, Harris reverted to his Minor League swing mechanics during a series against the Athletics in West Sacramento before the break, raising his hands to his shoulders—a tweak once suggested by ex-hitting coach Kevin Seitzer but later adjusted.
The move paid off initially. From July 18 to August 19, Harris posted a 1.139 OPS, third among qualifiers. A dip followed, with a .311 OPS over 22 games from August 20 to September 13. He rebounded strongly, hitting .968 OPS in his final 14 games, salvaging the year.
"You just have to take it one day at a time," Harris said. "You can’t think about the past, and you sure can’t get caught up in the future. It’s just about being where your feet are and trying to be better than you were yesterday."
Teammate Matt Olson praised his talent: "He’s one of the most talented guys on the field, any field you step on."
This late surge offers hope for 2026, where consistency could unlock Harris's superstar potential.
