Braves insider sees Michael Harris II as an NL MVP contender despite "Shohei Ohtani going to pitch, Ronald Acuna Jr. back" in 2025
On Wednesday, Atlanta Braves insider Jake Mastroianni discussed Michael Harris II's solid 2024 season and his chances of potentially winning an MVP award. Though Harris II can accomplish the feat, Shohei Ohtani and soon-to-return Ronald Acuna Jr. will be tough competition for the big prize.
Acuna Jr. won the NL MVP in 2023. He had a stellar season with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. For the current campaign, after being the first-ever player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season, it is hard to imagine anyone other than Ohtani taking the award home.
On Wednesday's edition of "Locked on Braves," Mastroianni explained how he sees Harris II having a fighting chance for an MVP award in future seasons.
"It's really not a lot he (Michael Harris II) has to do to get to that next level, in my opinion. Being a better base stealer, being more selective at the plate, and just staying healthy. If Michael Harris can do that, and I think he can do that, starting in 2025, we're going to see him reach that ceiling of an All-Star player, of a 30-30 threat," Mastroianni said. [25:02]
"[Michael Harris II can be] Somebody that's going to get some MVP votes if he doesn't ultimately win one because Shohei Ohtani is going to exist, and by the way, is [also] going to pitch next year, and Ronald Acuna, his own teammate, is going to be back and threatening for that MVP as well."
Braves insider credits Michael Harris II for improvement in postseason form
Michael Harris II enjoyed a solid regular season for the Braves in 2024, hitting .264 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs. The 2022 NL Rookie of the Year showed a major improvement in his form in the playoffs.
Braves insider Jake Mastroianni said despite struggling during the playoffs in previous seasons, Harris performed much better in 2024.
"He's got off to slow starts, particularly the last two years, [but] he's finishing strong, which is great. If you were gonna do one or the other, you would rather him just finish strong," Mastroianni said [20:25]
"He was the best hitter for the Braves at the end of the regular season, and by far their best hitter in the postseason, where he was 5 for 8, after going just 1 for 27 in his first two trips to the playoffs. So, I was happy to see him get that monkey off his back, and show that he can perform in the biggest moments in the postseason."
Despite his strong performances, the Atlanta Braves were ultimately overwhelmed by the San Diego Padres' high-quality pitching and offense in the three-game series. Atlanta fans will be hoping Harris II and Co. can return to the new season well-rested and motivated to improve on the shortcomings of 2024.