Chipper Jones has the highest of praise for Braves ‘superstar’ in the making
By John Buhler
Chipper Jones knows the Atlanta Braves have something truly special in Michael Harris II.
The Atlanta Braves have two Ronald Acuña Jr.’s on their roster in Michael Harris II and La Bestia himself.
Just ask Chipper Jones. He will tell you all about it. The Braves legend is back in North Port, Florida as part of the coaching staff for the 2023 MLB season. Harris won NL Rookie of the Year last year with fireballer Spencer Strider finishing as runner-up. While Jones is surely impressed by the giddy-up on Strider’s fastball, he is spot-on in calling Harris a left-handed Acuña. This is perfect.
No doubt about it, Jones referred to Harris as a “superstar”, becoming that for his boyhood team.
Chipper Jones, who is at Braves camp, said when he saw MIchael Harris coming up, he thought he was a left-handed Ronald Acuña Jr.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) February 27, 2023
“Michael Harris is a superstar, no ifs, ands or buts about it," Jones said of Harris, who grew up a diehard Braves fan.
For a Stockbridge native to hear Jones of all people praise him, what an incredible endorsement!
Chipper Jones praises Michael Harris II as the Atlanta Braves’ next superstar
Harris may be soft spoken, but he has has all the traits of being as big of a deal as Jones was in his prime in Atlanta. He is locked in with the Braves on a fat contract, not hitting free agency until his early 30s. Of course, Harris must avoid a sophomore slump of sorts, but he relished playing on the big stage as a rookie a year ago. Heck, Atlanta does not win the NL East without his breakout year.
But this goes way further than what Jones said about him in spring training. Harris embodies something much deeper. As someone who grew up in Braves Country, it is even more special for a budding superstar to rock the Atlanta A cap and play for the same franchise we all adore. This is the Southeast’s team, so taking the field for the Braves after having watched them hits differently.
Harris has the same star power than Jones had at his absolute apex. You knew he was going to do something great at the plate or in the field at least once a day. Jones did this for nearly 20 years. He remains the gold standard for what it means to be drafted and developed by the Braves. Jones has set the bar incredibly high for everyone, but Harris is as well-equipped as anyone to clear it.
May kids all around the perimeter view Money Mike like my generation viewed Chipper Jones.
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