As the year 2025 winds down over the next few days, it’s time to start thinking about 2026, and the Atlanta Braves clearly already have with an active offseason thus far. Part of those potential 2026 successes will be predicated on some players returning to their previous form and helping out in all facets of the game.
The Braves saw a lot of their reliable players face slumps in 2025, as that’s what likely led to Atlanta finishing fourth in the NL East. One of those players who had a semi-underwhelming 2025 campaign was Michael Harris II. However, a recent article by MLB.com indicates that Harris could be primed for a ‘bounceback’ season in 2026.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Get Bleak Outlook on 3-Time All-Star in 2026 Free Agency
Will Michael Harris II Provide More Offense in 2026?
The baseball world was introduced to Michael Harris II in 2022 when he won the NL Rookie of the Year award. He hit 16 home runs in 119 games that season with an OPS+ of 133.
Harris then signed an eight-year, $72 million contract extension, and his offense has hit a bit of a lull ever since.
However, MLB.com contributor Mark Bowman still believes in the 24-year-old centerfielder, and predicts he will ‘bounce back’ in 2026:
Getty
“The baseball world was introduced to Harris when he was named the National Leagueâs Rookie of the Year in 2022. But weâre still waiting to see his full potential. The 24-year-old center fielder entered this yearâs All-Star break with MLBâs lowest OPS and still finished with a 20-20 season. This could be the year he finally gets off to a good start and shows why his Braves teammates believe heâll one day be an MVP candidate.”
“An MVP candidate” might be a lofty goal, but there’s no reason to think Harris II can’t reach a 25-home run ceiling.
His final #’s in 2025 were: .249 batting average, 20 home runs, 55 runs scored, 88 OPS+.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves All-Star Slugger Predicted to Land with AL Contender in Free Agency
Michael Harris II is the Center Piece of the Braves’ Outfield
Michael Harris II is the centerpiece of the Braves’ outfield. He has been a staple as one of the best defenders to patrol the outfield in MLB, and although he does come with swing-and-miss at the plate, his defensive ability can balance that out.
Ronald Acuña Jr. will be the Braves’ everyday right fielder, and Jurickson Profar will likely be in left. That gives the Braves three good everyday options in the outfield, and Atlanta also went out and signed Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year deal this offseason.
It’s unclear how the Braves’ DH situation will play out, as they are waiting on the decision from Marcell Ozuna on where he wants to sign for next season, but either Yastrzemski or Sean Murphy could also be the DH.
Either way, if Michael Harris II bounces back as Mark Bowman predicts, the Braves should have no issue running into more wins in 2026.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Named âPerfect Fitâ for All-Star Starter In Free Agency
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Braves’ $72 Million Star Predicted to ‘Bounceback’ In 2026 appeared first on Heavy Sports.