Sources: Braves close to signing Michael Harris II to contract extension

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a contract extension with electric rookie Michael Harris II to keep another homegrown talent in The Battery. 

It didn’t take long for Atlanta Braves rookie Michael Harris II to make an impact in the outfield at Truist Park and the franchise has already seen enough from the NL Rookie of the Year candidate to make sure he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Harris and the Braves are finalizing an eight-year contract extension, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Braves agree with Michael Harris II on contract extension

Harris was Atlanta’s top prospect coming into the 2022 season and was called up to the major league roster on May 28 despite having not yet played in Triple-A ball at the time. That decision, however, proved wise as the rookie has been a force this season with the NL East contenders.

In 70 major league games, Harris is slashing .292/.330/.508 with an OPS+ of 127 as he’s slapped 12 home runs, 14 doubles and two triples along with accruing 39 RBI and 13 stolen bases without being caught yet.

The Braves have made a point of extending and locking up young, homegrown talent over the years, most recently inking Austin Riley to a massive contract extension. That list also includes the likes of Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr., all of them on deals that are extremely favorable for Atlanta in the current market.

Harris II also isn’t the only rookie who has made the jump straight from Double-A to the majors this season, either, as Vaughn Grissom was also recently called up and, much like Harris, has dominated upon arrival.

At just 21 years old, though, Harris will be another young star for the defending World Series champions with hopes that he’ll help bring Atlanta another ring sooner rather than later.