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A legend in the making: Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves

By Braden Livings |
Oct 1, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) jumps to catch a fly ball hit by New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) (not shown) during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) jumps to catch a fly ball hit by New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) (not shown) during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

You can bet that Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves could become one of the best players in the sport very soon, and for good reason.

The journey for Michael Harris II to Atlanta Braves superstar

In the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft, Harris was drafted by the Braves in the third round out of Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Ga. The young outfielder was one of the best defensive players in the draft.

Players drafted out of high school face a unique set of risks when compared to those who were drafted out of college. The team is also at risk. If a player does not work out in the big leagues, the minor leagues are a hard place to make a living. The player would also have not much to fall back on, education-wise. The player could develop much better in college and making mistakes in college comes with far less pressure than the minor leagues.

Knowing the risks involved, Harris and the Braves took the chance. Harris signed the contract and was sent to Rookie ball. In 2019, between Single-A and Rookie ball, Harris hit .278/.344/.737 with a pair of home runs, 27 runs batted in, and eight doubles in 53 games.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 minor league season was cancelled, so Harris did not play.

However, this did not affect the 20-year-old whatsoever as Harris broke into the 2021 season hot and finished with a .294 batting average and an OPS just shy of .800.

The next season, Harris would fully break out after being promoted to Double-A. He hit .305 in 43 games and then got the call. Harris would be Atlanta’s everyday center fielder.

In 2022, the Atlanta outfielder burst onto the Major League scene where he slashed .297/.339/.853 and hit 19 home runs with 64 RBI. In his minor league career, Harris only hit a total of 16 home runs.

For his production all around the field, Harris was awarded the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year Award after receiving 22 first-place votes.

In August, Harris and the Braves agreed to an eight-year, $72 million contract. The hometown kid is in Atlanta to stay.

Next. Grading the offseason for the Braves. dark

The outfielder saw major improvements at the plate over the years. From a raw 18-year-old kid to the Braves everyday center fielder with an eight-year deal in just three years is phenomenal, to say the least. It is safe to say that Braves fans across the country will enjoy watching Harris for years to come.

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