Michael Harris has quickly rocketed up Braves prospect lists over the last two seasons. Most evaluators, including us here at SportsTalkATL, have him as the top prospect in the organization. But no matter where you go, you’ll find his name inside the top-five within the Braves organization, which is even more impressive when you consider he’s yet to even make it past high-A ball.
The toolsy outfielder is oozing with potential, and he has the numbers to match early on in his minor-league career. Harris finished last season hitting .294 in High-A Rome with 26 doubles, seven homers, and 27 stolen bases in just 101 games. Most scouts believe he has the potential to be a 30/30 threat once he grows into his body, which seems to have been his focus during the offseason. Early photos from Braves minor-league camp show a much heftier version of Harris–in all the right places (wink, wink).
#Braves top outfield prospect Michael Harris II is considerably larger than a year ago, and it certainly looks like “good weight,” as they say. pic.twitter.com/duamAeGNHp
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 6, 2022
That is a MUCH bigger Michael Harris than we saw last season, and I can’t wait to see how it translates to the diamond. He already possessed some pretty decent power in 2021, but judging by this picture alone, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he mashed 20+ home runs this season, which would put him on the fast track to the majors.
Harris will likely begin 2022 in AA Mississippi, and unless he gets blistering hot for a long period, I expect the Braves to take things slowly with him. They already have other top prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters in AAA, and they will likely have a loaded outfield in the majors too. It will take a lot for Harris to move up a level this season, but he certainly has the talent to force the Braves’ hand.
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