Michael Machion Harris II is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. He was selected by the Braves in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft, made his MLB debut in 2022, and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award that season. Harris has emerged as a key contributor for one of MLB’s premier franchises, combining defensive excellence in center field with a potent blend of power and speed at the plate.
Michael Machion Harris II Bio
Michael Machion Harris II was born on March 7, 2001. His father, Michael Harris Sr., played college baseball at Alcorn State, while his mother, LaTaucha Harris, worked for the Fulton County School System as a special education teacher. Harris grew up in DeKalb and Henry counties, not far from Turner Field, and developed a dream of playing for the Atlanta Braves from a young age. He attended Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia, where he established himself as a promising baseball talent.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Harris spent his formative years developing his skills in the DeKalb and Henry county areas. During high school, he received instruction from family friend Marquis Grissom, a former MLB player, who coached Harris in summer leagues and continued training him during offseasons. This mentorship played a significant role in shaping his development as a player.
Prior to turning professional, Harris received recruitment attention from college programs. He was initially recruited by Louisiana State University solely as a pitcher before considering Texas Tech University, where he planned to play college baseball and pursue studies toward veterinary school. His amateur career positioned him as an attractive draft prospect heading into the 2019 MLB Draft.
Path to Professional Baseball
The Atlanta Braves selected Harris in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He signed with the organization for a signing bonus of $548,000, choosing to begin his professional career rather than attend college. This decision marked the beginning of his journey through the Braves’ farm system toward Major League Baseball.
Harris bypassed his commitment to Texas Tech University, where he had planned to continue both his baseball career and academic pursuits. The Braves identified him as a promising talent with the potential to develop into a significant contributor at the major league level.
Michael Machion Harris II Career
Minor League Career (2019–2022)
Harris began his professional career in 2019 with the Gulf Coast Braves before earning a promotion to the Rome Braves. Across 53 games between both affiliates, he posted a combined batting average of .277 with two home runs and 27 runs batted in. The 2020 Minor League Baseball season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing Harris from game action that year.
In 2021, Harris received an invitation to the Atlanta Braves’ major league spring training, an important milestone in his development. He spent the full season with the Rome Braves and showcased his all-around abilities, slashing .294/.362/.436 with seven home runs, 64 runs batted in, and 27 stolen bases. His performance earned him selection to the All-Star Futures Game in June, highlighting him as one of the top prospects in minor league baseball.
Atlanta Braves Breakthrough (2022)
Harris was reassigned to the Mississippi Braves to begin the 2022 season. He demonstrated exceptional performance over 43 games, hitting .305 with a .372 on-base percentage and .506 slugging percentage, adding five home runs, 33 runs batted in, and 11 stolen bases. His production ranked him as the Braves’ top prospect and the 63rd-best prospect in all of Minor League Baseball, leading to his major league call-up.
On May 28, 2022, Harris made his MLB debut against the Miami Marlins. He struck out in his first at-bat but recorded his first career hit, a single, and scored his first run in the same game. Harris hit his first career home run against the Washington Nationals on June 13, 2022.
2022 Rookie of the Year Season
Harris enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign that earned him multiple monthly honors. In June 2022, he posted a .347 batting average with a .371 on-base percentage and .574 slugging percentage, collecting 35 hits including 13 extra-base hits, driving in 16 runs, and stealing four bases to earn Rookie of the Month honors. He repeated this achievement in August, when he posted a .337 average with 16 extra-base hits, and again in September when he batted .324 with six home runs and 19 runs batted in.
On November 14, 2022, Harris was named the National League Rookie of the Year, finishing ahead of teammate Spencer Strider. Harris and Strider became the second pair of Braves teammates to finish first and second in the voting, following Craig Kimbrel and Freddie Freeman in 2011. Harris dedicated the award to Marquis Grissom, his youth mentor, recognizing the foundation that shaped his career.
Atlanta Braves Era (2022–Present)
Prior to the 2022 season’s conclusion, Harris and the Braves agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth at least $72 million, securing his future with the organization through 2030. The deal represented the team’s commitment to building around their young star.
In 2023, Harris appeared in 138 games for the Braves, slashing .293/.331/.477 with 18 home runs, 57 runs batted in, and 20 stolen bases. He continued establishing himself as an everyday contributor with a strong two-way profile.
The 2024 season presented challenges when Harris was placed on the injured list with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on June 15. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 24. Upon his activation on August 14, Harris made an immediate impact, hitting his first career grand slam off San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray. The ball landed in McCovey Cove, making Harris the first visiting player to hit a grand slam into the water at that ballpark.
Playing Style and Strengths
Harris has established himself as a complete player with exceptional speed on the bases and reliable defense in center field. His ability to impact games both offensively and defensively has made him a valuable asset for the Braves. His career statistics reflect his consistent production: a .276 batting average, 87 home runs, 298 runs batted in, and 75 stolen bases across his three major league seasons.
Notable Achievements
His 2022 season stands as the defining achievement of his career thus far, capturing the National League Rookie of the Year Award while demonstrating sustained excellence across multiple months. His grand slam at Oracle Park during the 2024 season added another memorable moment to his growing highlight reel.
Michael Machion Harris II Career Wins
Harris has accumulated impressive statistics across his three seasons with the Atlanta Braves, establishing himself as one of the premier young players in Major League Baseball.
Major League Highlights
Through June 28, 2026, Harris has recorded 87 career home runs, 298 runs batted in, and 75 stolen bases while maintaining a .276 batting average. His 2022 rookie season featured multiple Rookie of the Month awards and the National League Rookie of the Year Award. His 2024 grand slam at Oracle Park added to his collection of dramatic moments.
Other Achievements
Harris represented the Braves in the All-Star Futures Game in 2021 during his minor league development. His consistent ability to combine power hitting with baserunning aggression has differentiated him as an all-around threat in the lineup.
Michael Machion Harris II Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Harris comes from a family with athletic connections. His father, Michael Harris Sr., played college baseball at Alcorn State, providing his son with early exposure to the sport at a competitive level. His mother, LaTaucha Harris, worked as a special education teacher, supporting the family while nurturing Harris’s athletic development.
Personal Life
Harris married Esther in 2024. The couple began dating in 2021 and have maintained a relatively private personal life away from baseball. Harris has credited his family values and support system as important factors in his professional success.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season represents an opportunity for Harris to build on his recovery from the hamstring injury that affected his 2024 campaign. With a full offseason to prepare and train, Harris aims to return to the consistent production that characterized his rookie season and 2023 performance. The Braves continue to rely on Harris as a foundational piece of their roster as they pursue postseason contention. His combination of defensive excellence in center field, baserunning ability, and power potential makes him a key component of the team’s long-term plans.