Braves: Brian Snitker sends stern message to front office

The high praise for young Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II largely comes from within. Harris II has been a spark plug for this team.

Harris is slashing .283/.319/.497 in 48 games so far this season. His inclusion in the everyday starting lineup just so happens to coincide with Atlanta’s run to the top of the Wild Card standings.

Atlanta’s challenge to the Mets NL East thrown — a feat they did successfully just last season on a run similar to that of 2022 — included a stunning win streak and power display that theoretically lost its best hitter to free agency last Winter. Freddie Freeman is gone, but Michael Harris II, Matt Olson and more are here, and they are beautiful.

Braves: Brian Snitker sends message to front office

Snitker had some high praise for Harris at the All-Star Game, per FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray:

“He’s come in and we have all been really impressed with him in spring training the last two years,” Snitker said. “He can do things that I didn’t realize he could do. I didn’t realize how gifted he was defensively. … I asked him about a throw the other day in Washington and he was like ‘I don’t know, I just made a throw.’ It’s what he does.”

“He’s solidified that position,” Snitker said. “He’s stabilized center field.”

Snit is not only impressed by Harris II, but the Braves young core as a whole. Atlanta features several young pieces all under the age of 30, and by a wide margin. Alex Anthopoulos hasn’t just made his team younger — they are also built to win now. It’s a rare feat in today’s game.

Nonetheless, Snitker preached urgency:

“This team is set up to win for a while. It’s win-mode now. When that window is open, you never know how quickly it can close.”

Message sent to the front office.