Eddie Rosario and 2 other Atlanta Braves who can still improve this year

Michael Harris II is starting to turn the corner after a rough start to year two

Last year’s NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II had a very rough first two months of the campaign. A back injury popped up during the Braves’ early-season series vs. the San Diego Padres. After a lengthy stint on IL, Harris returned to the starting lineup, but struggled mightily at the plate. He may finally be getting his timing down, but Atlanta needs his bat to help carry them.

The good news is Harris continues to play fantastic defense in centerfield, taking some of the pressure of Eddie Rosario in left and Ronald Acuña Jr. in right. The bad news is up until recently, he had a miserable time of getting on base. Like Acuña, he is lightning fast on the base path. We know he has a powerful stroke from the left side of the plate too, but he has to get on base more.

Frankly, many of Alex Anthopoulos’ early extension candidates from the last few years have struggled to live up to the hype of the contract, namely Harris and third baseman Austin Riley. While they have certainly been able to make an impact defensively and occasionally at the plate, we are all wanting to see Money Mike go more Sawry Not Sawry on the teams the Braves face.

Having him on base with Acuña in the batter’s box must be an opposing pitcher’s worst nightmare.