Michael Harris II Traded His Ground Balls for Fly Balls. His Best Numbers Since His Rookie Year Are the Result.

Michael Harris II has made significant changes to his batting stance that has caused his flyball rate to skyrocket and helped him get off to an uncharacteristically hot start to the 2026 season. He wasn't included in my previous article about fantasy baseball players who changed their batting stance but based on the uptick in his offensive production he should have been. Harris' new approach at the plate incorporates some of what made him a top minor league prospect and that makes the adjustments, and the career best offensive statistics that come with them, sustainable.

The Swing Change That Produced Career High Fly Ball Rate

At the urging of the Braves' hitting instructor at the time, Harris made a change to his approach at the plate in his rookie year and lowered the placement of his hands in his batting stance. The change helped him win NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2022.

However, since then, Harris has been plagued by several extended hot and cold streaks that resulted in extreme first- and second-half splits. Over the course of his career Harris was much more productive in the second half compared to his early-season statistics.

His first-half/second-half splits were even more pronounced in 2025:

2026 Change in Approach - Back to the Basics

Harris has revamped his batting stance this season using a "what's old is new again" approach as he started raising his hands and setting them back toward his shoulders. He has widened his stance significantly, increasing his stance angle from 18 degrees in 2025 to 26 degrees this season. Harris is also standing further up in the batter's box.

From Ground Ball Profile to Fly Ball Threat

The adjustments outlined in the previous section have caused Harris' batted ball profile to change dramatically in 2026. Through his first 62 games, his flyball rate is a career high 40.1% and his 42.4% groundball rate is a career low. Heading into the 2026 season Harris had a 50.1% average career groundball rate and a 30.5% average flyball rate.

Quantifying the 2026 Improvements Across Key Metrics

Several of Harris' power metrics have significantly increased since he adapted his new batting stance. He's hitting the ball with more authority this season, and according to Harris' Baseball Savant Statcast page his xBA, xSLG, and Hard-Hit% are all in the 96th percentile or higher.

Barrel Rate, Exit Velocity and xwOBA Gains

The following chart details some of the marked improvements in Harris' power related statistics.

Harris' power statistics against offspeed pitches have also increased dramatically. In 2025, Harris had a .227 BA and .336 SLG against offspeed stuff. This season he has a .356 BA and .692 SLG against offspeed offerings.

Why Projection Systems Still Miss the New Michael Harris II

Since some of the major projection models rely heavily on recent historical player data, some are still projecting his rest of season stats without taking his increased flyball rate into consideration. Based on his current rate of productivity, Harris is on pace to hit at least 30 home runs and drive in close to 100 runs. None of the major projection models expect Harris to reach 30 home runs.

The Lag Between Market Price and Actual 2026 Production

You'll have to be crafty, but perhaps you might be able to use the projection model disconnect to your advantage in potential trades for Harris. Try negotiating a trade with a fantasy baseball manager who is looking to sell high based on Harris' modest rest of season projections.

Fantasy Baseball Strategy for the New Fly Ball Version

Roster Moves and Rest of Season Outlook

Harris' sustainable changes to his batting stance and the decreased likelihood of his falling into a prolonged slump increases his potential rest of season potential production. He should easily surpass his career highs in home runs (20) and RBI (86). Harris' value in both dynasty and head-to-head points fantasy baseball leagues has also increased now that he has a new approach at the plate. One other positive side effect of his batting stance change has been a modest decrease in his strikeout rate which is especially helpful in points leagues.

Fantasy baseball managers hoping to add Harris to their rosters via a buy low trade prior to his typical second half surge need to come up with a new strategy because we're looking at a new Harris. The changes to his batting stance will help him develop into a more consistent fantasy baseball contributor. One who has yet to hit his full prime, and with the potential to provide five-category fantasy baseball production for the near future.

Questions About Michael Harris II, Answered

What is Michael Harris II fly ball rate in 2026?

Through his first 62 games of the 2026 season, Michael Harris II's flyball rate is a career-high 40.1%.

Why are Michael Harris II's 2026 numbers his best since his rookie year?

His flyball rate is at a career high, his groundball rate is at a career low, and several power metrics including average exit velocity, xwOBA, barrel rate, and wRC+ have improved significantly from 2025.

How should fantasy managers value Michael Harris II in 2026?

Fantasy managers should view him as a more valuable asset in both dynasty and head-to-head points leagues because of his improved approach and increased offensive production.

What caused Michael Harris II's ground ball to fly ball change?

The change was driven by adjustments to his batting stance, including raising his hands, setting them closer to his shoulders, widening his stance, and standing further up in the batter's box.

Should I trade for Michael Harris II in fantasy baseball right now?

Fantasy managers may be able to take advantage of projection systems that have not fully accounted for his improved flyball rate and offensive profile.

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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 5:41 PM.