3 Braves players who’ll be better in 2023, and 2 who won’t

By Tim Boyle | Feb 9, 2023

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Eddie Rosario #8 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after getting out against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Michael Harris will have an even better year for the Atlanta Braves in 2023. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Why Braves outfielder Michael Harris will be better in 2023

Michael Harris had a much different season than Rosario in 2022. The rookie Braves outfielder took over the starting center field job and then proceeded to bat .297/.339/.514 with 27 doubles, 19 home runs, and 64 RBI. He won the National League Rookie of the Year and finished 13th in the MVP vote. All of this was done in only 441 plate appearances.

What does Harris have planned for the 2023 season? The feared sophomore slump many athletes go through is nothing to be concerned about. Harris was good in far too many ways for any Braves fan to believe his rookie season was some sort of illusion.

Helping Harris out immensely is how he managed to obliterate his power expectations. Although his minor league experience was minimal before his promotion, Harris never hit for much power. He has just 14 home runs in slightly less than 200 games on the farm. He already toppled that personal record as a rookie.

Harris has the tools to become one of the league’s next superstar players. It’s amazing because he started the 2022 season in Double-A and never received a single at-bat in Triple-A prior to his promotion.

The kid has grit, moxie, and raw talent. Get excited, Braves fans. This guy is as good as you think.

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