Braves: Is this adjustment turning things around for Michael Harris II?

The Braves have become almost impossible to watch, dropping their third straight game last night as they continue to fall further into the abyss.

Atlanta has only won one of their last nine series, and unfortunately, things probably are only going to get worse moving forward. With the trade deadline less than a week away, several contributors are expected to be shipped out of town in the coming days, leaving an already thin roster almost completely decimated.

The final two months of the season are going to be more about moral victories than actually winning — an unusual position for a club that has been to the postseason in seven straight seasons.

Of all the storylines to follow down the stretch, none might be more important than the status of Michael Harris II. The Braves’ centerfielder has been the worst qualified offensive player in baseball for much of the season, and unless he shows signs of life, Alex Anthopoulos could have yet another hole to patch this offseason.

But moving on from Harris isn’t simple. It’s hard to justify playing him every day in 2026 if he’s flirting with the Mendoza Line and providing little power. Yet it’s also not easy to bench a player under contract through 2030 and team control through 2032. More than anyone on the roster, the Braves need Harris to return to form — and that may finally be happening.

Last night, Harris logged two more hits, including a home run, and drew a walk — arguably the most encouraging stat of all. Over his last ten games, he’s hitting .324 with four extra-base hits (two homers) and a .900 OPS.

But even more than the numbers, Brady Penn of 680 The Fan pointed out that Harris made some adjustments with his stance following the All-Star break, and they appear to be paying off.

Looks like Michael Harris II is making an effort to correct his struggles by changing his batting stance. It looks just like early in his rookie year

1st Picture: Tonight
2nd Picture: 2 Weeks ago
3rd Picture: Michael’s first career hit in 2022 pic.twitter.com/fZzNcsws1e

— Brady Penn (@bradypenn21) July 19, 2025

If that adjustment is really what’s leading to this second half resurgence, it easily becomes one of the most positive developments in what’s been a mostly nauseating campaign.

The days of believing Michael Harris II could eventually become an MVP candidate like Ronald Acuña Jr. are over. Those conversations should never be had again; it doesn’t matter what he does the rest of the season. However, this is still a really talented 24-year-old with traits that just can’t be taught.

Harris doesn’t have to be Ronald Acuña Jr. He just needs to be Michael Harris, one of the best defensive centerfielders in the game with a plus bat. That alone makes him an All-Star-caliber contributor year in and year out.

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Photo: Photographer: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire

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