Michael Harris Extends On Base Streak to 30 Games

The Atlanta Braves top prospect, Michael Harris, has extended his hit streak to 30 games. Could he be in line for a promotion soon?

Michael Harris has done everything the Atlanta Braves and Braves country could have hoped (and more) to begin the 2022 season. The young outfielder is hitting .304/.353/.512 4 HR, 21 R, 21 RBI, and 10 SB.

Like the title of the article suggests, he has now reached base in 30 straight games.

The fans in Pearl, Mississippi have gotten a treat being able to watch Harris up close. Right now, Michael Harris has been a nightmare for AA pitcher and is putting on quite the show.

He is doing everything asked of him and more at the plate. Plus, he is playing quality defense. Michael Harris looks like the best player on the field in every game being played.

It is an impressive feat for the top prospect. It does bring forth an interesting question, how much longer will he stay in Mississippi?

Michael Harris’ Next Step

There are fans who are impatient (understandably so) and would love to see Michael Harris in Atlanta sooner rather than later. Like this year.

Once a player reaches AA, they are a serious threat to reach the majors at any time. With Harris only being 21, the Braves can afford to be patient with him.

There is also another big reason the Braves can be patient with young Michael Harris. That reason is named Drew Waters.

Waters, the Braves third ranked prospect, is already in AAA and on the 40-man roster. He did miss time to begin the year due to an injury but is now back and has played well in a limited sample. Waters figures to be the next outfielder to reach the majors if a guy needs to be replaced due to injury or because of struggles.

This means the Braves can be patient with Harris. An easy move would be to have Michael Harris take Drew Waters place in Gwinnett if (when) Waters reaches the majors.

While fans may be growing impatient to see Harris in Atlanta, it may not happen this year. I am not privy to the Braves front office thinking, but my best guess is it would be a long shot for Harris to reach the show in 2022. Not impossible, but unlikely.

Harris is arguably forcing the Braves hand with his impressive play. A good problem to have for the front office.

When the Braves do move Harris up to Gwinnett, it will give us a better idea of their plans for him. If he is moved to Gwinnett by June/July, then he is a serious contender to be on the 2023 opening day roster, or at least be an early-season call-up.

If the Braves are patient and keep him in Mississippi for most of 2022, then it could be closer to the summer of 2023 before we see Michael Harris roaming the Atlanta outfield.

It is important to note that the Braves’ center fielder, Adam Duvall, is on his final year of control and would be a free agent this winter. The Braves could part ways with Duvall in favor of Waters and/or Harris.

Those are questions for another day and for the Braves front office. Right now, we can enjoy seeing the Braves’ top prospect tear it up in the minor leagues.

It is always an exciting time to see a Michael Harris highlight. Eventually, those highlights will take place in Truist Park.