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Michael Harris II dropped not-so-subtle hint about his feelings over Silver Slugger snub

Money Mike is not pleased.
ByEric Cole
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Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (23) reacts at second base after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (23) reacts at second base after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Finalists for the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards, presented by FanSided, were announced on Thursday, and the Atlanta Braves had one finalist: first baseman Matt Olson. Given the offense's struggles, it's understandable that the Braves wouldn't exactly dominate the Silver Sluggers this year. However, Atlanta did have a couple of players who could be considered Silver Slugger snubs.

Drake Baldwin was clearly one of the best hitting catchers in baseball last year, but missing a month with an oblique injury combined with an underwhelming second half probably cost him a finalist nod. However, another Braves hitter who has a legitimate gripe is center fielder Michael Harris II, who does not seem pleased at all that he wasn't named a Silver Slugger finalist.

Michael Harris II noticed when he wasn't named a Silver Slugger finalist, and now the Braves' outfielder has to prove how wrong they were

Unfortunately, you are going to get some wonky results when you have a voting system like the one the Silver Sluggers employ, where it is MLB managers and coaches voting. This is absolutely the kind of voter demographic that is going to prioritize name recognition and flashy counting stats when they cast their votes. While Harris had a great overall season, many of his numbers don't jump off the page, with his low walk rate being an added complication.

Still, it is unfortunate that Harris did not get his due this year. In 621 plate appearances in 2026, Harris slashed .294/.321/.491 with 26 homers and 12 steals. While he didn't get to the 20/20 threshold that many expected out of him (presumably due to being banged up for a large portion of the season), Harris was a key cog in the Braves' offense and a huge reason why they were able to win the NL East this year.

Part of Harris' issue is that the National League outfield was pretty loaded this year, and several hitters were very similar in overall value. One can quibble over picking Corbin Carroll, Jordan Walker, or Seiya Suzuki over Money Mike, but each of those guys has very reasonable cases of their own. Hell, Harris wasn't even the only notable outfield snub in the NL this year, as both the Dodgers' Andy Pages and Mets' Carson Benge made strong arguments for themselves as well.

Ultimately, this is just one individual trophy that doesn't change what Harris meant to the Braves this year. If he uses this slight as motivation to lay waste to the league next season and beyond, both he and the Braves will be better for it. If that happens, the rest of the league and Silver Slugger voters won't have any choice but to take notice. If that happens, Atlanta's opponents better watch out.

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