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Michael Harris II: “Mindset of winning” played big role with Atlanta Braves deal

By Kevin Henry

Sep 2, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) hits a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) hits a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Braves fans had plenty to celebrate on Monday night with outfielder Michael Harris II and pitcher Spencer Strider finishing first and second, respectively, in the National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year balloting. Those same fans also have plenty of reason to smile knowing that those two talented rookies are part of a core unit of players who have been signed for years to come.

Why Michael Harris II accepted a long-term deal from the Atlanta Braves

Thanks to shrewd contract negotiations by Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, Harris and Strider are just two of the current faces of the Braves who will be with the franchise for quite some time.

Consider these numbers and thoughts on just how far out Atlanta will have a bulk of players who have contributed to the team’s recent success. This was first compiled by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman in this article:

"2027 season: Austin Riley ($22 million), Harris ($9 million), Matt Olson ($22 million), Ronald Acuña Jr. ($17 million club option) and Ozzie Albies ($7 million club option) could still all be teammates. These five stars would cost a combined $77 million that year.Strider and William Contreras would see their third arbitration-eligible seasons in 2027. Kyle Wright and Ian Anderson are lined up to be arbitration-eligible through ’26.2028 season: Riley ($22 million), Olson ($22 million), Harris ($10 million) and Acuña ($17 million club option) could all still be controlled at a combined cost of $71 million."

It’s truly an amazing thought, and one that Harris was asked about shortly after winning the NL Rookie of the Year honor on Monday. A native of nearby Stockbridge, Ga., Harris inked an eight-year, $72 million earlier in the season that will keep with the Braves through 2030, with a pair of team options for 2031 and 2032.

No, those aren’t typos. That’s ensuring that the 21-year-old can focus on improving as a member of the Braves with no outside distractions looming with free agency or any arbitration issues.

“A lot of different things came into it,” Harris told BBWAA writers about his decision to sign long-term with the Braves. “I mean, being in my hometown and I won’t have to worry about leaving or trying to find a place in a different city that I’m not used to. Also, knowing a lot of the players that are here that had the mindset of winning. If I wanted to stay here for a long time, I know we had the right guys to go out and try to win every year.

“I feel like I made a pretty good decision. I’m just glad to be able to stay here.”

Playing in just 114 games last season, Harris quickly showed the Braves that he could be their center fielder of the future. It’s little surprise that the franchise offered him a multi-year extension, or that Harris accepted, seeing Atlanta was showing him they wanted him in that role.

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The decision by both parties could well pay off big dividends, setting the stage for that mindset of winning to move forward well into this decade.

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