Michael Harris II Bio
Michael Machion Harris II, born on March 7, 2001, is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected by the Braves in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft and made his major league debut in 2022. That same season, he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award, cementing his status as one of the brightest young stars in the game.
Beyond his on-field success, Harris signed a long-term contract extension with the Braves that will keep him in Atlanta through 2030. He continues to be a central piece of the Braves’ outfield and a player the organization counts on for both his glove and his bat.
Michael Harris II Early Life and Background
Early Life and Background
Michael Machion Harris II was born to Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris. His mother worked for the Fulton County School System as a special education teacher, while his father played college baseball at Alcorn State. Harris also has a sister, Mikaylah, and grew up in a household with deep roots in athletics and education.
He spent his childhood in DeKalb and Henry counties in Georgia, living near Turner Field, the longtime home of the Atlanta Braves. From a young age, Harris dreamed of one day playing for the Braves, the team that would eventually draft him. That early connection to the city and the franchise helped shape his path toward a career in professional baseball.
Harris attended Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia, where he continued to develop as a player. During summer leagues, he was coached by family friend and former major leaguer Marquis Grissom, who would go on to play a significant mentorship role in his career. Grissom also worked with Harris during the offseasons throughout his teenage years.
Path to Major League Baseball
Coming out of high school, Harris had committed to play college baseball at Texas Tech University and even considered attending veterinary school. Prior to that commitment, he had been recruited by the Louisiana State Tigers baseball team, though only as a pitcher. His experience as a two-way prospect reflected the versatility that would later define his professional profile.
The Atlanta Braves selected Harris in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft, choosing him with one of their earliest picks that year. He signed with the Braves for a bonus of $548,000 and chose to begin his professional career immediately, forgoing both his college commitment and his veterinary school plans. The decision set him on a fast track through the Braves’ minor league system.
Michael Harris II Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Harris began his professional career in 2019 with the Gulf Coast Braves before being promoted to the Rome Braves. Over 53 games between the two clubs, he batted .277/.344/.393 with two home runs and 27 runs batted in, showing a balanced approach at the plate in his first taste of professional baseball.
The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping Harris off the field for an entire year. He returned in 2021, splitting the season with the Rome Braves and slashing .294/.362/.436 with seven home runs, 64 runs batted in, and 27 stolen bases. That summer, he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game, signaling his status as one of the top prospects in the sport.
MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year (2022)
On May 28, 2022, Harris was selected to the major league roster, and he made his debut that same day against the Miami Marlins. He struck out in his first major league at-bat but later recorded his first hit, a single, and scored his first run in the same game. On May 31, he drove in his first career run against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and on June 13, he hit his first career home run against the Washington Nationals.
Harris took off in June, posting a .347/.371/.574 slash line with 13 extra-base hits among his 35 knocks. He also drove in 16 runs, stole four bases, and earned the Rookie of the Month Award. On August 17, the Braves and Harris agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth at least $72 million, locking him in as a cornerstone of the franchise.
He earned Rookie of the Month honors again in August, batting .337/.400/.590 with 16 of his 32 hits going for extra bases. In September, he won the award a third time after slashing .324 with six home runs and 19 RBI. On November 14, Harris was named the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year, finishing ahead of teammate Spencer Strider.
Atlanta Braves (2023–Present)
In 2023, Harris played in 138 games for the Braves, slashing .293/.331/.477 with 18 home runs, 57 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. The strong follow-up campaign confirmed that his rookie season was no fluke and established him as an everyday presence in the Atlanta lineup.
Harris began the 2024 campaign with Atlanta and played in 67 games, hitting .250/.295/.358 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and eight stolen bases. He was placed on the injured list with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on June 15, transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 24, and activated on August 14. Shortly after his return, he hit his first career grand slam off San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray, sending the ball into McCovey Cove and becoming the first visiting player to splash a grand slam.
Driving Style and Strengths
Harris is widely regarded as a well-rounded center fielder with strong defensive instincts and a patient approach at the plate. His combination of speed, contact skills, and developing power makes him a threat on both sides of the ball. The long-term relationship with the Braves’ coaching staff has also helped him refine his game in the field and at the plate.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature achievements, Harris captured the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year Award and dedicated it to his youth baseball tutor, Marquis Grissom. He also became the first visiting player to hit a grand slam into McCovey Cove and signed a contract extension with Atlanta that runs through 2030.
Michael Harris II Career Wins
Across his time in the majors, Harris has built a résumé highlighted by his 2022 National League Rookie of the Year Award and three Rookie of the Month honors in his debut season. He has steadily grown into a reliable center fielder and run producer for the Braves, with his numbers reflecting a balanced mix of contact, power, and stolen bases.
MLB Highlights
Harris has spent his entire major league career with the Braves since his 2022 debut, posting his best all-around season in 2023 with an .293 average, 18 home runs, and 20 stolen bases. His first major league hit came in his debut against the Miami Marlins, and his most recent milestone came in 2024 with his first career grand slam off Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants.
Other Wins and Performances
In the minor leagues, Harris was selected to the 2021 All-Star Futures Game, a marquee showcase for top prospects. He also won monthly awards and steadily climbed the prospect rankings, eventually being named the top prospect in the Braves’ system before his call-up.
Michael Harris II Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Michael Harris II comes from a family with strong athletic and educational roots. His mother, LaTaucha Harris, worked as a special education teacher for the Fulton County School System, while his father, Michael Harris Sr., played college baseball at Alcorn State. Harris also has a sister, Mikaylah, and the family has remained an important support system throughout his career.
Personal Life
Harris married his wife, Esther, in 2024, with the couple having begun dating in 2021. Outside of baseball, he is also a dog owner and has spoken about his longstanding interest in veterinary medicine, which he considered pursuing before choosing a professional baseball career.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Michael Harris II is expected to once again be a fixture in center field for the Atlanta Braves, with his contract extension keeping him in Atlanta through 2030. The organization will look to him to build on his strong 2023 production and bounce back from a 2024 campaign that was interrupted by a hamstring injury. His health and consistency will be key storylines to watch as the new season unfolds.
The Braves’ lineup and outfield depth give Harris the chance to slot into a more comfortable rhythm at the plate, particularly after a full offseason of recovery. His blend of speed, defense, and improving power should make him a focal point of the Braves’ plans to contend in the National League. As he continues to gain experience, his growth into a leadership role within the clubhouse is also likely to be a focus.
For Harris, 2025 represents an opportunity to put a healthy, productive season back-to-back and reinforce his standing as one of the Braves’ core players. With his long-term future secured, the focus now shifts to refining his game, stacking up consistent results, and helping Atlanta pursue another deep postseason run.