The Tomahawk Take crew has ranked Michael Harris as the top prospect in the Atlanta Braves system!
When the Atlanta Braves drafted Michael Harris in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft from Stockbridge High School, there was not a ton of hype surrounding him. That has quickly changed.
Now, he is seen as the next big prospect in the Braves system, and rightfully so. He has done nothing but impress during his time with the organization.
He impressed with a great campaign in rookie ball back in 2019, hitting .349/.403/.514 2 HR, 15 R, 16 RBI, 5 SB, .433 wOBA, & 161 wRC+. The Braves thought highly of him and brought him to the alternate site in 2020.
As a nineteen-year-old, he was facing older pitching. He showed out, including hitting a home run off Ian Anderson before Anderson made his debut.
Harris really took off during the 2021 Spring Training. The hype surrounding Harris was growing as he entered 2021 at High-A Rome. He rewarded the hype with a solid season, hitting .294/.362/.436 7 HR, 55 R, 64 RBI, 27 SB, .349 wOBA, & 114 wRC+.
He played stellar defense and gives hope that he could be the Braves center fielder of the future. His solid glove and big arm would benefit him either in center or in right field.
Harris looks like he could be a potential five-tool player in the future. To illustrate how great of an athlete he is, some teams were looking at him as a pitcher in the draft, but the Braves loved his potential with the bat.
They look like they were right to believe in the bat.
Looking at the tools, the belief is Harris could end up with an above-average hit tool, allowing him to hit for a high average. He also shows elite plate discipline that is advanced for his age. He walked in 8.3% of his plate appearances in Rome.
The power potential is exciting. There is a belief he could add power as his frame fills out. He may never be a 30-35 HR guy but could sit consistently in the 25 HR range.
Most scouts knew Harris was a great athlete, but not many expected Harris to be as active on the basepaths as he was. Twenty-seven stolen bases in 101 games are quite the feat. He may slow down slightly as he bulks up, but the aggressiveness on the basepaths is exciting.
There is reason to believe Harris could hit 20-25, maybe more, home runs, while also adding 15-20 stolen bases at the major league level. All while hitting for a solid average and providing a good OBP. That would play well with the current young core the Braves feature.
There is hope he can stick in center field, but most scouts believe he would be a plus defender in a corner outfield position if he must move out of center field.
Harris has a bright future and is the next Braves prospect that fans are excited about. While there is a desire to see him in Atlanta sooner rather than later, Harris is probably a year or two away.
He should start the year in AA Mississippi. The Braves were patient and gave Harris a full year in Rome, so they may give him extended time in Mississippi. No need to rush his development.
It would not shock to see Harris force the Braves’ hand and earn a promotion to Gwinnett. However, a promotion to the big-league club in 2022 feels like a long shot at this point. It is possible, but it feels like a lot would need to happen for Harris to reach Atlanta this year.
The Braves can (and should) be patient with Harris. Allowing him to refine his game before potentially joining the major league roster in 2023.
There is a lot to love about the kid’s game. If he shines again in 2022, it will not be long before he flies up national prospect rankings.
Keep an eye out for Michael Harris.