šŸ”„ BLOCKBUSTER ALERT: Braves Seal $1.2M Deal for Game-Changing Power Threat to Replace Michael Harris

The Atlanta Braves were active early in the offseason, but after checking off most of their major needs, things have quieted around the organization. Even so, there’s still room for improvement—most notably in the starting rotation, an area that could play a major role in the team’s postseason hopes. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has emphasized that the Braves are continuing to evaluate their options.

ā€œWe’ve looked into the starting rotation, whether that’s through a trade or a free-agent signing,ā€ Anthopoulos said. ā€œIdeally, we want someone impactful—someone we believe could start a playoff game.ā€

Last season was a challenging one for the Braves, particularly for Michael Harris. He struggled early in the year but began to find his groove in the second half.

ā€œChipper told me it’s better to swing from up to down than down to up, so being up there is actually a good thing,ā€ Harris explained. ā€œSince then, everything’s felt cleaner, and I haven’t had to overthink as much. We were searching for something, trying to get my hands in the right position, and it eventually came down to me saying, ā€˜I’m just going to raise them.’ I’d done it my whole life, so if I changed it after getting called up, why not go back now?ā€

Still, with Harris’s uneven production and injury history, the Braves recently brought in international prospect Starling De La Cruz.

 

Cincinnati Reds Star Elly De La Cruz is the Perfect Kind of Baseball Player

 

 

ā€œDe La Cruz profiles as a speedy, contact-first outfielder rather than a power hitter,ā€ wrote HTHB’s Eric Cole. ā€œThat may undersell him a bit, as he does hit the ball hard and will run into some home runs. However, he’s on the smaller side and isn’t expected to add much strength. With his speed and defensive instincts, he has the potential to develop into a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder if everything clicks.ā€

Harris is now aware that there’s a rising prospect in the system who could eventually push for playing time. While Harris remains an elite defender, the Braves won’t hesitate to explore other options if De La Cruz’s bat develops faster.

Though De La Cruz’s impact is likely still a few years away, it’s a situation worth monitoring as he moves through the minor leagues. Harris is aiming for a breakout campaign, and the presence of a promising young talent like De La Cruz could be the spark that helps him reach that next level.

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