Michael Harris II, Braves in talks over contract extension

Atlanta Braves right fielder Michael Harris II Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie Michael Harris II in talks with Braves about massive contract extension

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 8/16/22

It's not often a rookie baseball player is given the type of contract that outfielder Michael Harris II is looking for from the Atlanta Braves. With that said, it's not often a player like Harris comes along in the first place, so he's well worth the early commitment from Atlanta.

The scuttlebutt around Harris and the Braves is that the two sides are "deep in discussions" regarding an eight-year deal. This is, according to MLB insider Robert Murray on Twitter:

Outfielder Michael Harris II and the Atlanta Braves are deep in discussions on an eight-year contract extension, according to sources familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 17, 2022

Veteran MLB reporter Jon Heyman also had the news, and he attached a number to the potential new deal as well.

Michael Harris 8-year deal, if completed with Braves, is expected be for about $72M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 17, 2022

That's a ton of money for a 21-year-old ballplayer, but the Braves haven't been afraid to pay to lock up their young stars. For instance, Ronald Acuna Jr. signed an eight-year, $100 million contract before he even got a full year of service time as an MLB player.

Harris, who plays in the outfield, was taken by the Braves with the 98th pick in the 2019 MLB draft and has been exceptional for Atlanta this season. So exceptional that he was promoted straight from Double-A ball.

That's right, the Braves skipped Harris right past Triple-A, yet he's been batting an impressive .287/.325/.500 with 12 home runs, 14 doubles and two triples in 268 plate appearances. He's also 13-for-13 in steal tries on the base paths.

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