Every game the Atlanta Braves opt to put Michael Harris in the lineup sends a message to the rest of the roster. One that suggests failure will be accepted if the contract is big enough. The starting outfielder is hitting .217 and is an incredible liability at the plate. This, on top of the struggles of Ozzie Albies, has left Atlanta's lineup as one of the more inconsistent units in the league. Even the outfielder's incredible defense in center can no longer justify this level of offensive struggles. Harris is a complete mess, and the Braves need to send a message to the rest of the roster by demoting the young outfielder and giving him a chance to figure things out in Gwinnett.
Harris being sent down isn't giving up on the outfielder or believing things won't return to career norms. Rather, it is ending the current cycle and giving Harris a chance to catch his breath and figure out what has gone so wrong in the 2025 season. No one wants to figure this out as badly as the incredible defender. Harris wants to turn things around and simply cannot find the right adjustments.
The Braves Should Send Michael Harris to Gwinnett
All of this adds up to a player who is giving away outs and damaging his own confidence. Harris has a large sample size, telling us that this isn't who the outfielder is. Still, that doesn't make it okay to accept the current level of performance without making a move. The best way to fix this is allowing Harris to go to the minor leagues and work on fixing his approach and swing.
Harris has minor league options remaining and can be sent down without any issue. The only downside is the headlines it creates and having to rely on Eli White or Alex Verdugo. While both players have faded at the plate, either option is far superior to the type of at-bats Atlanta's center fielder is currently offering.
The Braves are in an impossible position with many issues being of the team's own creation. However, there is no blame to be had when it comes to what is going on with Harris. There is only one path to fixing this issue, and it is a demotion that allows Harris the chance to reset.
Continuing to accept the centerfielder's historically bad offense sends a message to the rest of the roster and actively hurts your chances of turning the 2025 season. Atlanta has been patient enough; it is time to make a move and give Harris a chance to reset.