ATLANTA BRAVES’ GRANT HOLMES HIGHLIGHTS KEY IMPROVEMENT FOR MICHAEL HARRIS II: THE IMPORTANCE OF PLATE DISCIPLINE

🚨The Atlanta Braves are looking for outfielder Michael Harris II to make a significant leap this season to join the ranks of stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson. Fortunately, the 25-year-old has shown signs of improvement in spring training, and one key area of focus has been his growth in plate discipline. After a challenging 2025 season, Harris has impressed so far, with a solid start to the spring, but his ability to improve his walks and patience at the plate could be the final step in reaching elite status. 👇

Harris’s Spring Training Performance Shows Promise
Michael Harris II has made a noticeable improvement this spring, going 7-for-18 with five RBIs and three stolen bases. After a 2025 season where his performance dipped with a .674 OPS over 160 games, this start to spring training is a much-needed boost. However, what’s really caught the eye of Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes is Harris’s newfound ability to draw walks.

Holmes pointed out that while Harris struggled with walks last season, he has already matched or even surpassed the number of walks he had last spring training, an encouraging sign. “Last year, it was the walks; he really didn’t walk much,” Holmes said, adding that this year, “he’s hit the ball hard” in addition to drawing more walks, which bodes well for his development.

Improving Plate Discipline Could Be Harris’s Key to Stardom
Harris’s strikeout rate was a concern last season, with a career-high 128 strikeouts and just 16 walks during the regular season. His ability to consistently make contact is not in question, as shown by his 152 hits and 86 RBIs in 2025. However, improving his patience and ability to draw walks could elevate his game to the next level.

In 2022 and 2023, Harris posted an OPS over .800, showing his potential as a well-rounded hitter. However, his lack of walks has been a limiting factor in his ability to fully unlock his potential. With an improved approach at the plate this spring, fans are hopeful that this could be the year Harris takes that final step toward becoming a superstar.

The Impact of Harris’s Development on the Braves’ Future
The Braves have a lot riding on Harris’s development, particularly with the uncertain future of Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña, entering the final year of his contract, has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ offense, but his potential market value may exceed what the team is willing to pay. With Acuña’s future up in the air, Harris’s growth into a star becomes even more crucial for the Braves’ long-term plans.

Unlike Acuña, Harris is under team control through 2030 with team options through 2032. His current contract offers the Braves an affordable option for years to come, with an AAV of $9 million compared to Acuña’s $12.5 million. If Harris can step up and reach elite status, the Braves will have a star on an affordable contract, even as they navigate the potential loss of Acuña.

A Critical Time for Harris and the Braves
Harris’s development could make or break the Braves’ future. With Olson’s age and potential contract situation, Harris’s progression into an elite player over the next few seasons is essential for the team’s long-term competitiveness. As much as Atlanta hopes to continue competing in the NL, it will be difficult if Harris or another player doesn’t step up.

For now, the key question is whether Harris’s improvements in plate discipline and his ability to draw walks can carry over into the regular season. If he can continue his strong performance this spring and add more patience at the plate, Harris could become the Braves’ next great star.