North Port, Florida – A Michael Harris II allowed to set a goal to reach a season of 30-30?
“I guess if I do everything I know, I can do, it’s possible,” said Harris. “But I guess I can’t really put a number on what I expect to do. Because in baseball, you can do everything properly and always go out, do everything while getting a blow. You can’t really predict it. It’s already a game of failure. So, a 30-30 season would be incredible, but I can’t really put it as a legitimate goal. »»
Why not? This certainly seems to be achievable if the defender of the Braves Center avoids the injuries that have sidelined him in the past two years and finally have the chance to show what he can do during the whole of a 162 game season.
“Looking at him, he seems to be in great shape,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “You can say that he worked hard during the offseason. Hopefully it will prevail in order to publish for most of the season. »»
Not bad for a player who only played four complete seasons above the school. Harris will be 24 years old on March 7.
“The last two years with injuries are something that I have never really treated in my career,” said Harris. “I felt like I sneak up on me. I feel like I do everything to stay prepared. Things just sneak you on you and you have to manage it. Now I know what to do and what not to do. Now I am motivated to start the season as I finished it. »»
Harris refined his back during the first full week of the 2023 season, then aggravated the disease while lifting weights. He missed an important part of April and struck .163 with a .490 OPS by June 6. He struck .335 with 16 circuits and a .912 OPS during the 100 games that followed.
The native of the suburbs of Atlanta produced a .823 OPS in the 43 games that followed his passage from the two -month injured list last year.
The production of Harris following prolonged absences has fueled its excitement about its potential.
Harris reached. 285 with 53 circuits, 50 interceptions and one .794 OPS during the 362 games he played in his first three seasons. He finished a shy home run from a 20-20 season during his recruit year and two timid circuits in 2023. He finished with only 10 interceptions in 2000. But with the problem of the hamstrings behind him, he could certainly bid for its first 20-20 season, or maybe even a 30-30 season.
To get an idea of what Harris could be capable of a whole season, here is an overview of his annual production:
2022 (114 games): .297 ba, 19 circuits, 20 stolen bases, .853 ops
Rhythm of 162 games: 27 hours and 28 SBS
2023 (138 games): .293 ba, 18 hr, 20 SB, .808 ops
Rhythm of 162 games: 9 p.m. and 23 SBS
2024 (110 games): .264 ba, 4 p.m., 10 SBS, .722 ops
Rhythm of 162 games: 24 hours and 14 SBS
How much Harris would have remarkable to total three consecutive seasons of 20-20? The only five players to total three 20-20 seasons at 23 or under are Julio Rodríguez (2022-24), Andruw Jones (1998-2000), Alex Rodriguez (1997-1999), Cesar Cedeno (1972-74) and Vada and Vada Pinson (1959-62).
The injuries also derailed the offers of other young players, included Ronald Acuña Jr., capable of producing some 20 to 20 seasons at the start of their respective careers. But the figures above at least emphasize why a 30-30 season would not necessarily be a surprise if Harris remains healthy.
“I feel like I have perfectly prepared this offseason,” said Harris. “Now, I just have to do everything I can to make sure I stay healthy.”