The Atlanta Braves have been proactive in locking up their core group of players. In 2022 alone, they’ve signed both Matt Olson and Austin Riley long-term deals. Now, they have done the same thing with rookie centerfielder, Michael Harris II.
Robert Murray of Fansided reported that Harris and the Braves were “deep in discussions” while Jon Heyman of the New York Post added the terms.
Outfielder Michael Harris II and the Atlanta Braves are deep in discussions on an eight-year contract extension, according to sources familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 17, 2022
Michael Harris 8-year deal, if completed with Braves, is expected be for about $72M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 17, 2022
The Braves later confirmed the deal on Twitter. The $72 million deal will run through the 2030 season. Furthermore, there are club options of $15 million and $20 million for 2031 and 2032, respectively, with each carrying a $5 million buyout.
#Braves Sign OF Michael Harris II: pic.twitter.com/SsC3PPvxOx
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 17, 2022
This is a great deal for the Braves. Harris is one of the leading contenders for the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2022. Entering Tuesday, Harris was hitting .292/.330/.508 with 12 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Additionally, he plays Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.
The deal had the MLB world collectively singing the praise of the Braves.
Braves play small-market ball better than any team around (and they're not small)….I applaud them for being this aggressive. https://t.co/xzkyv6060y
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) August 17, 2022
How do the Braves keep pulling this off? https://t.co/WOVcukAQTB
— Drew Silva (@drewsilv) August 17, 2022
How to keep a core together, by the @Braves.
– Austin Riley, through 2032
– Matt Olson, 2030
– Michael Harris II, 2030
– Ronald Acuña Jr., 2028
– Vaughn Grissom, 2028
– Ozzie Albies, 2027
– Spencer Strider, 2027
– William Contreras, 2027
– Kyle Wright, 2026
– Max Fried, 2024— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 17, 2022
WTF man. Hate to say it, but AA really is the top executive in the sport and its not really even close. https://t.co/Ep3PnUpgH6
— Ryan Finkelstein (@FinkelsteinRyan) August 17, 2022
This is quite a day in #Braves County. https://t.co/BB2rUooK1n
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) August 17, 2022
This is how you MOVE. https://t.co/d6m3TJuOiu
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) August 17, 2022
Furthermore, while it’s a good deal for the Braves, it’s not a bad deal for Harris. If he continues down his current path, he’ll be underpaid for a few seasons. An average annual value of $9 million is a great bargain for a player with his potential in arbitration and Atlanta will also get Harris for two extra years before he goes into free agency.
That said, he’ll also make a lot more money now than he otherwise would have during the “team control” part of his rookie salary.
That's not bad. I feel better about these deals when they don't include a couple of too-cheap option years. Harris is only losing two years of free agency here, and it seems like it'd be fun to have $72 million. https://t.co/HYcCkDOJMu
— Matthew Pouliot (@matthewpouliot) August 17, 2022
As the defending World Series champions, things are already going well for the Braves. And with deals like this being signed, we shouldn’t expect to see them slow down any time soon.
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