ORGANIZATION REPORTS

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

It never has been easy to poke holes in D-backs outfielder Alek Thomas’ game, but some wondered how his aggressive approach would play against more advanced pitchers.

Thomas answered that question in multiple ways in 2021 by torching Double-A and Triple-A pitchers across five months.

Moreover, Thomas improved the quality of his at-bats and found a sort of selective aggressiveness.

“We challenged him with controlling the zone better this year and making better swing decisions,” D-backs farm director Josh Barfield said.

“That’s the kind of thing you see with elite hitters in the big leagues. He has always been able to hit, but we challenged him with that and he really responded.”

Barfield said the organization pushed that idea on Thomas when he was with Double-A Amarillo in early August. The 21-year-old immediately went on a 10-game tear that earned him a promotion to Triple-A Reno.

“We don’t want to take away what makes you elite and makes you good, but you don’t have to go up there and swing at every first pitch,” D-backs assistant general manager Amiel Sawdaye said. “You’re going to need to control your at-bats a little better as you move up. I think he’s done that in Triple-A.”

In the process, the 2018 second-rounder from Chicago’s Mount Carmel High has put himself on the doorstep of the big leagues.

Thomas has an impressive pro résumé and this season hit .313/.394/.559 with 18 homers and 13 steals in 106 games. He has hit for more power than might be expected from his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame.

“He was consistent throughout the year,” Barfield said. “We pushed him to Triple-A at 21, and he’s more than handled that challenge. Every challenge you throw at this guy he seems to respond.”

—NICK PIECORO

ATLANTA BRAVES

Before the season, outfielder Michael Harris made headlines for the profuse praise he received from Braves manager Brian Snitker.

“That’s an impressive looking ballplayer right there,” Snitker said at the time. “You talk about skills, approach… I don’t think I’d lose money if I say he’s going to be a young big leaguer.”

The 20-year-old Harris met his lofty expectations this season at High-A Rome. He hit .294/.362/.436 with 26 doubles, three triples and seven home runs in 101 games. He stole 27 bases in 31 tries.

His production matched the preseason hype. In July, Harris was asked about Snitker’s comments. He said he was flattered, but he stressed it means little unless he continues growing.

“Coming from a major league manager, that’s good,” Harris said, “but I still have to go out and do what I can do every day. I’m not thinking about that. I’m just trying to get better every day to get there.”

Harris, a 2019 third-rounder from Stockbridge (Ga.) High, was also scouted