Braves outfielder Michael Harris II has found a groove after a realignment at the plate, and the early results are paying off in a big way. Atlanta closed out a weekend series with four of five wins at home against the Miami Marlins, and Harris has surged to 14 extra-base hits over his last 17 games dating back to July 25, the best mark in the National League. He’s hitting .391 in that span.
A refined hand-position adjustment is at the center of the surge. Harris had previously adopted a stance that mimicked some high-profile swings, a move that, for much of the last three seasons, yielded inconsistent results. While he has been healthy and solid defensively in center field this year, his overall hitting line sat around .241/.264/.349 for the season.
Many observers see the improvement as stemming from a more efficient hand placement and a quicker path to contact. The change appears to be paying off, with a noticeable jump in both power and barrel control during this hot stretch. While it’s hard to quantify every contributor, the Braves’ hitters coach Tim Hyers and his staff are often credited for helping Harris simplify his swing and regain confidence at the plate.
If Harris can keep this approach in place, the early returns suggest a hopeful outlook for the rest of the season and a more confident outlook for next year, both for Harris and for Atlanta’s lineup.
Summary: Michael Harris II has jumped into a hot stretch after adjusting his batting stance, delivering a NL-best burst of 14 extra-base hits over 17 games and a .391 average in that span, while maintaining strong defense in center field.
What to watch:
– Sustaining the swing change: consistency over a longer period will determine how much this translates into run production.
– Plate discipline and contact quality: the improved swing should be reflected in strike zone control and exit velocities.
– Team impact: Harris’s resurgence adds depth to Atlanta’s lineup and could lift the Braves’ offense during a pivotal stretch.
Positive takeaway: The willingness to adjust and commit to a refined approach shows resilience and could redefine Harris’s trajectory for the rest of this season and beyond.