The Atlanta Braves have selected the contract of Michael Harris! He will make his big league debut tonight.
Exciting news for Braves country as the Braves selected the contract of Michael Harris! He will make his big league debut tonight and wear number 23!
The #Braves today selected the contract of Michael Harris II to the major league roster after optioning OF Travis Demeritte to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game. Harris II will wear No. 23.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 28, 2022
In Mississippi, Harris was hitting .305/.372/.506 with 5 HR, 33 R, 33 RBI, and 11 SB. This included a .384 wOBA and 129 wRC+. He also tallied 16 doubles.
Maybe more importantly for the Braves, he played a great defensive center field. Adam Duvall has done well in center in the majors, but this opens the option to move Duvall to left field. On days Ronald Acuña Jr plays the field, this should provide the Braves with stellar outfield defense. Something that was an issue at times early in the season.
Harris will also provide another left-handed bat for the Braves lineup. As it currently stands, Matt Olson is the only other lefty in the lineup while Ozzie Albies is a switch-hitter. With Eddie Rosario currently on the injured list, the Braves were lacking left-handed bats.
This move could give the Braves more flexibility with how they create their lineups and deploy their defense.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 28, 2022
An interesting offensive comparison I had made for Harris in recent weeks was a younger Nick Markakis when he was with the Orioles. In Baltimore, Markakis was a .290/.358/.435 hitter who was good for 15+ HRs and 40+ doubles while hitting near the top of the lineup. I think Harris has the potential for a little more power and speed than Markakis.
If Harris can provide that line with plenty of doubles and add in 15-20 steals, the Braves are getting a weapon on offense. As he continues to age and grow, a few of those doubles could turn into home runs as well.
It is an exciting day for Braves fans. Harris jumping straight from AA to Atlanta is a surprise, but we have heard Brian Snitker mention that when you are in AA, you are an option for the majors.
Hopefully, we are seeing the debut of the next great player in Braves franchise history.