Two of the Atlanta Braves’ most important players — Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II — are underperforming in 2025.
Once viewed as foundational pieces of the team’s core, both are now in the middle of disappointing seasons that are costing Atlanta wins and raising serious questions about the future.
Albies has long been one of the league’s most productive second basemen, bringing power and switch-hitting ability to a premium position. But this season has exposed troubling signs of decline. He’s slugging under .400 for the first time in his career, nearly 70 points below his lifetime average.
The most glaring issue is his right-handed production. Once a strength, Albies now has just a .511 OPS against lefties. That’s a stunning fall from his career .888 mark in those same matchups.
Some point to a lingering wrist problem as the cause. Others worry the drop-off is more than that — potentially a sign that Albies’ best days are behind him. The Braves are nearing a decision point. He’s in the final guaranteed year of his contract, with two club options still to come. If his power doesn’t bounce back, the front office could seriously consider moving on.
But as rough as Albies’ year has been, it pales in comparison to what’s happening with Michael Harris II.
Harris Has Been MLB’s Least Productive Hitter
Coming into 2025, Harris was seen as a breakout candidate for the Braves. He flashed All-Star potential in previous years, and there was even some dark horse MVP buzz during spring training. But he has completely collapsed at the plate. Harris is hitting just .212 with a .558 OPS, dead last among all 159 qualified hitters in Major League Baseball.
His underlying metrics paint the same bleak picture. His launch angle has dropped, his hard-hit rate is down, and his barrel percentage has cratered. He’s hitting more ground balls and fewer line drives. But the real red flag is his plate discipline.
Harris is chasing pitches at a 42.3% rate — among the worst in the league — and he hasn’t drawn a walk since May 18. That’s 130 plate appearances without a single free pass.
That sounds simple. But fixing a mental and mechanical slump in the middle of a season is never easy. And with Harris under contract through 2030, the stakes are massive.
Different Players, Same Problem for Braves
Albies is 27 and facing a possible crossroads. Harris is 24 and locked in long-term. But both are crucial to Atlanta’s offense, and neither is producing. The difference is that Albies could be gone soon, while Harris is a major financial investment.
He’s owed $49 million through 2030, with two additional club options after that. If this is more than just a temporary dip, the long-term impact on the Braves could be significant.
Still, there’s reason for perspective. Harris remains one of just nine players in Braves history with a .790 or better OPS before turning 24. That list includes Ronald Acuna Jr., Hank Aaron, Freddie Freeman, and Eddie Mathews. Harris has a track record and youth on his side.
The Braves have enough talent to stay competitive, but if they’re going to reclaim their dominant identity, they need Albies and Harris to find their way. Right now, that identity looks shaky — and the losses are starting to reflect it.
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