Michael Harris II continues to rake
Michael Harris II kicked off spring training with a bang after hitting the first pitch he saw out of the ballpark. He hasn't slowed down at all and continues to show he is primed for the best season of his career.
Harris eventually had an incredible season for the Braves in 2023 after he fully healed from injuries that held him down early in the year. He was one of Atlanta's best once he figured things out. It seems he has come into 2024 on a mission.
Money Mike has tons of potential to make an MVP push. He has the power and speed combination that is similar to Acuna while playing elite defense in center field. He is the perfect sleeper candidate for winning the NL MVP this year.
Over 18 at-bats, he has a .444 average with eight hits including a double, three home runs, and five runs batted in. He has earned one walk and struck out three times. Harris has also stolen one base so far.
Harris celebrated his birthday on Thursday by hitting an absolute bomb to right field against Boston that even got Alex Cora's attention. The bat speed he possesses is incredible.
Birthday 💣@MoneyyyMikeee | #BravesST pic.twitter.com/qYyTo71bkF
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 7, 2024
It's been absolutely impressive to see the rise of Michael Harris II to stardom. He has surprised many with the pop his bat provides and the elite defense he features. While it's easy to assume he won't continue this level of performance into the regular season, he could also prove that wrong easily.
A lot of people didn't think Matt Olson would carry his impressive spring into the regular season and all he did in 2023 was lead Major League Baseball in home runs and broke two franchise records (single-season franchise home run and RBI records).
A few weeks remain for spring training and there are going to be plenty more storylines to follow over that time frame. We will keep an eye on everything happening and provide updates as they occur. One thing is for sure, the Braves are going to have a great season and this is just a preview of what is to come.