Michael Harris II

Michael Machion Harris II, born on March 7, 2001, is an American professional baseball center fielder currently signed with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born to Michael Harris Sr., a former college baseball player at Alcorn State, and LaTaucha Harris, a special education teacher with the Fulton County School System, he developed an early passion for the sport and desired to play for the Atlanta Braves since childhood.

Harris grew up around Turner Field near the border of DeKalb and Henry counties and attended Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia. He was actively involved in summer leagues coached by family friend and former MLB player Marquis Grissom during his high school years, receiving further training in the baseball offseasons.

In the third round of the 2019 MLB draft, Harris was picked by the Braves, subsequently signing with them for a bonus amount of $548,000. He decided to skip the opportunity to play college baseball at Texas Tech University and a possible pursuit of veterinary school, to lay focus on his burgeoning professional career. He had earlier been a recruitment prospect for the Louisiana State Tigers baseball team, albeit solely as a pitcher.

Launching his professional baseball career in 2019, Harris became a part of the Gulf Coast Braves before being promoted to the Rome Braves. A talented and dedicated player, he demonstrated a commendable performance, batting .277/.344/.393 over 53 games between the two teams, with two home runs and 27 runs batted in.

However, his career experienced a brief halt with the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the field the next year, joining the Braves in their spring training. Throughout the 2021 season, Harris played for the Rome Braves, sporting a batting average of .294/.362/.436 with seven home runs, 64 runs batted in, and 27 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Futures Game in June.

The following year, in 2022, Harris was once more invited to the Braves’ spring training and started off the season with the Mississippi Braves. He showcased his form once more by batting .305/.372/.506 with multiple home runs and stolen bases over 43 games before being elevated to the major leagues. His game-winning performance led to his selection to the major league roster in May 2022, marking his MLB debut against the Miami Marlins.

Over time Harris’ charisma and skill on the field brought noteworthy accolades home. He received the Rookie of the Month Award for his outstanding performance in June, which saw him drive in 16 runs, steal four bases while having a .347/.371/.574 slash line. In August the same year, the Braves and Harris agreed on an eight-year contract extension reportedly worth over $72 million.

In the months that followed, Harris continued his excellent performance, getting recognized as the Rookie of the Month twice more. Subsequently, he was named the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year, outperforming teammate Spencer Strider. Harris dedicated his award to Marquis Grissom, his youth baseball mentor.

Harris continued to thrive in the subsequent seasons. In 2023, he played 138 games for the Braves, maintaining an admirable batting average and contributing to the team’s successes significantly. The 2024 campaign saw him hitting .250/.295/.358 with five home runs in his first 67 games before a Grade 2 left hamstring strain led to his placement on the injured list in June. He was back on the field in August, hitting his first career grand slam off San Francisco Giants’ Robbie Ray shortly after his return.

An extraordinary talent with immense dedication, Michael Machion Harris II continues to carve his place in Major League Baseball with his exceptional performance. As he keeps striving for the highest echelons of the sport, Harris’ story provides a testament to his perseverance, passion for the game, and steadfast commitment to his team.