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Braves' Michael Harris II Eyes Consistency Leap
21 Feb
Summary
- Harris II is working on improving his swing decisions at the plate.
- Last season, he achieved his first 20-20 season for the Braves.
- Adjustments to his stance and hand position significantly improved his hitting.
Michael Harris II is gearing up for a pivotal season with the Atlanta Braves, aiming to sustain the impressive hitting performance he demonstrated after the All-Star Break last year. He has been diligently working on his approach, including adjustments to his stance and hand positioning, which significantly enhanced his ability to drive the ball effectively.
While Harris II has shown flashes of power in spring training, including experimenting with hitting right-handed, he will continue to focus on his primary role as a left-handed hitter. A key area of development for him is improving his selectivity and making better swing decisions, a crucial step identified by manager Walt Weiss for his transition into a star player.
Last season saw a notable decrease in Harris II's walk rate, dropping to 2.5%, a significant dip from his previous performance. He also experienced stretches with few walks. However, following July 19, he demonstrated his considerable potential by batting .300 with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs, achieving his first 20-20 season. A more disciplined approach could unlock even greater offensive capabilities, potentially pushing him towards 200 hits per season.
