To say the Atlanta Braves outfield got off to a rocky start in the 2025 season would be a vast understatement. Jurickson Profar was unable to make it through a full series before being suspended for violating the league's banned substance policy. This was followed by offensive implosions from Jarred Kelenic and Alex Verdugo. Add in Ronald Acuña Jr. missing the first weeks of the season, and it was truly bleak.
Michael Harris didn't hesitate to contribute to the problems, putting together the worst offensive season of his career. Things have drastically changed over the last week, however, with both Harris and Profar performing at a far higher level. Harris has been Atlanta's most consistent hitter after months of being a liability at the plate.
It is a welcome change for one of the league's most talented defenders. Having Harris roaming center is inevitably going to save runs and give the franchise a better chance to compete. The offense is now at a level that isn't prohibiting this and has the outfielder actively moving up in the lineup. It is rare good news in what has been an incredibly infuriating season for Atlanta fans.
The Braves Outfield Continues Late Season Surge
Harris isn't the only Brave surging in the right direction, with Profar enjoying a great week as well. The left fielder has put together consistent at-bats and had a jaw-dropping home run robbery against Miami. The Braves are finally getting a glimpse of what this outfield could be when at its best. This is without having the benefit of Acuña in the starting lineup.
The outfielder was placed on the IL with a sore Achilles and will likely be given extra time to return. There simply isn't any reason to hurry the star's return, needing to protect the 2026 season with the rest of this year meaningless.
With this in mind, it is easy to picture just what the 2026 outfield could look like if the current core remains together. Profar, Harris, and Acuña are an incredibly talented group capable of carrying the offense if the team can ever get the trio healthy and at their best next season.