Michael Harris II proves Braves right for recent trades with 1 throw (Video)

The Braves traded away Cristian Pache and Drew Waters, two outfield prospects, to make way for Michael Harris II. Turns out they were right to do so.

Pache was dealt to the Oakland Athletics this offseason in a prospect-laden package for Matt Olson, who replaced Freddie Freeman and promptly signed an eight-year extension. While Pache has struggled in Oakland thus far, just as he did in his brief major-league stints in Atlanta, Harris II has excelled.

Harris II has proven to be a god-glove caliber center fielder, all while slashing .283/.317/.491. Those are impressive numbers for a rookie.

Just last week, Atlanta made another bold decision, trading away top prospect and outfielder Drew Waters to the Royals in exchange for draft capital and bonus money. The trade was mocked by some, but perhaps the Braves (yet again) know something we don’t.

Braves: Michael Harris II makes throw of the season

In Thursday night’s game against the Nationals, Harris II threw out Nats’ baserunner Luis Garcia at home plate. That description doesn’t do the actual throw justice. Somewhere, Roberto Clemente — who arguably featured the best outfield arm the game has ever seen — is smiling.

https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1547744451409223683

Harris II took that ball off a bounce on the run, and managed to make an absurd throw to home plate across his body. This is not a normal baseball play, even at the professional level.

Trading away Pache and Waters took some nerve, but clearly Alex Anthopoulos had an eye for Harris II, who is playing like a perennial Gold Glover in center.

Yes, Atlanta could still use some outfield help at the deadline (or in the years to come), but choosing Harris over the likes of Pache and Waters looks like a wise decision for now.