After the Braves made a surprising move on May 28 by calling up their top prospect, Michael Harris, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But whatever my expectations were for him, he’s far exceeded them through his first nine major-league games.
In 34 at-bats, Harris has collected nine hits and three RBIs. Three of those nine hits have gone for extra bases, with Harris narrowly missing his first career homer in Arizona on a shot to deep center. Especially as a nine-hole hitter and a rookie, he’s handled everything remarkably well. Few players can make the jump from AA to the majors, but it just goes to show all the hype surrounding the 21-year-old wasn’t just smoke. Harris has the potential to be a star at the top level.
First MLB extra-base hit for @Braves top prospect Michael Harris II! pic.twitter.com/36zNzUrflw
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 1, 2022
Harris has simultaneously impressed with the bat and is playing outstanding defense. That alone makes him ultra-valuable, given how much Atlanta’s outfield gloves have struggled this season, and is one of the lesser talked aspects of his game. He already is the best defensive outfielder in the entire organization. Since arriving to the majors, Harris has patrolled centerfield and made a few highlight-reel grabs while he’s at it. He has already contributed two outs above average, the first of many in Atlanta.
.@MoneyyyMikeee is good. #analysis#HyundaiHighlight pic.twitter.com/3MU6djLunk
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 1, 2022
Throughout his first week-plus with the Braves, Harris has flashed that star potential that scouts saw in him. I’ve been thoroughly impressed, and I’m hopeful this can continue for the rest of the season.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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