Michael Harris, Mahki Backstrom Video: Notes And Observations
On Monday, I posted notes and observations on Kyle Muller and Tucker Davidson following live AB video that was tweeted a couple weeks ago. The video provided an excellent indication of where the two left-handed pitching prospects currently stand with their stuff heading into spring training.
Today, I go to the batter’s box with a look at video recently posted by two more Braves prospects: Michael Harris and Mahki Backstrom.
Starting with Harris, two things immediately stand out: he’s in great shape and the swing is loose and fluid. Neither is new, but these are the two strengths that stand out when first watching Harris in video and on the field.
Harris doesn’t have a height or length advantage but is strong head to toe and is filling out well with good mass. I have him as a 50 runner based on times down the line in a late-2019 look, but it’s possible he could produce more value on the basepaths than the typical 50 runner — and his grade could increase — with gained lower-body strength.
Aside from a plus arm, Harris stands out for a loose, natural stroke that often breeds an advanced feel to hit. It’s a fluid motion from set stance through contact, utilizing loose, quick hands and athleticism. I noted in my offseason report that he might have to tone down the pre-fire motion, especially a wrap and deep hand load that produces length getting to the zone. But advanced hitters are able to produce with these motions because of athleticism and quickness.
Time will tell how advanced Harris is against pro pitching. A first look in 2019 was underwhelming, as he settled for weak contact and was beat inside a few times, not turning on velo or maxing out the swing. But he appeared fatigued as a newly drafted prospect late in his first year. This is why I held back my eval for now. I want to see Harris track pro pitching, especially advanced pitching, before going all in on his potential to consistently find the barrel with impact.
But there’s no doubting the fluidity to the swing. It’s a sign of a loose, natural feel to hit. The next step is performing on-field.
Harris and Backstrom have completely different frames, but what they do share is athleticism. Backstrom has height and length, and he stands out physically for a lean strength, but he’s also quick to the zone.
Backstrom has toned down his swing since the Braves drafted him. The hands are lower, and he’s more direct to the zone with little pre-pitch movement or load. The hands sway slightly back and up as the elbow raises to its firing position. It’s a good position for the hands to fire, especially for a lengthy hitter who needs minimal movement. This swing allows Backstrom to utilize his natural power instead of forcing it with movement, and it helps tap into his desire to backspin the ball to left-center.
The ability to clear his lower half and cover the zone will be the question as Backstrom faces better pitching. The swing’s framework allows for him to work all fields with line drives that carry, but he has to show he can utilize his lower half and sync both halves. With a swing like this, a symptom of failing to sync would be getting arm-heavy and dropping the back side without clearing, which produces poor contact and multiple holes, especially down and away.
Backstrom is in a good place mechanically, though, and it will be interesting to see how he handles better pitching. A big first test is proving he can track and handle basic sequencing in A-ball, which requires turning on inside velo and covering the outer half against off-speed.
A big, power-hitting first baseman is a tough profile to carry in the minor leagues, hence why you don’t see many highly ranked first base prospects. But Backstrom is quicker and more athletic than the typical A-ball first baseman, and if he can combine those positives with an ability to track pitching, he will put himself on the map.