The Atlanta Braves have locked up another starting pitcher to a long-term extension. Outfielder Michael Harris II signed an eight-year, $72 million contract extension, the team announced Tuesday night. The contract also includes an option for two years. The extension begins next season and covers two years before arbitration, four years of arbitration as a Super Two and two years of free agency with club options for two more. The contract can reach $102 million over 10 years. Here is the salary structure:
2023: $5 million 2024: $5 million 2025: $8 million 2026: $8 million 2027: $9 million 2028: $10 million 2029: $10 million 2030: $12 million 2031: $15 million club option ($5 million buyout) 2032: $20 million club option ($5 million buyout)
Atlanta has aggressively signed key position players to long-term, team-friendly contracts that guarantee the player a life-changing amount of money. Harris is the fifth Braves player signed through at least 2025, joining outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., second baseman Ozzie Albies, first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Austin Riley.
Harris’ contract is the third-richest guaranteed ever for a player with less than a full year of service. Here is the list:
Harris, 21, entered the season as Atlanta’s top prospect and was called up to the big leagues straight out of Double-A in late May. The Braves took him just above Triple-A, and Harris has repaid their faith with a .287/.325/.500 batting line and 12 home runs in 71 games. He is also a perfect 13 for 13 in stolen base attempts.
In addition to attacking, Harris is also an excellent defensive center. The total package is worth 2.9 WAR in less than half a season of playing time. Harris is the favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year right now, with teammate Spencer Strider his top competition.
Tuesday’s win over the New York Mets (ATL 5, NYM 0) improved the Braves to 72-46 on the season. The defending World Series champions are 3 1/2 games back in the NL East and could soon welcome Mike Soroka back into the rotation.
