Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Michael Harris II has shot up the baseball ranks since joining the Atlanta Braves. Fans and scouts watched him go from minor league hopeful to major league standout in almost no time. The Braves organization clearly believed in him from day one. In August 2022, Harris signed an eight-year contract worth $72 million with the Atlanta Braves, locking in his future with his hometown team.

People call him “Money Mike,” and honestly, he’s earning that nickname. His contract includes $72 million guaranteed and runs through the 2030 season.

The Braves didn’t hesitate—they gave him this deal just months into his MLB career. That says a lot about how much they trust his talent and potential.

But Harris’s rise isn’t just about the money. He brings a mix of slick defense in center field and growing power at the plate. Baseball experts already see multiple All-Star nods in his future.

This DeKalb County native keeps making big strides. Whenever he steps onto the field, Braves Country gets a jolt of excitement.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Michael Harris II started his baseball journey in DeKalb, Georgia. Even as a kid, his athletic skills and love for the sport were obvious.

He kept developing through high school, and it was clear he had something special. The Atlanta Braves saw that too and eventually drafted him.

Childhood and Background

March 7, 2001, in DeKalb, Georgia marks the day Michael Machion Harris II was born. He sharpened his baseball skills in Atlanta’s competitive youth leagues.

His family gave him plenty of support, and Harris tried other sports, but baseball just stuck. That left-handed swing? It’s been his trademark since he was a kid.

He stood out for his defense and instincts in the outfield. Parents and coaches noticed how hard he worked and how smart he played, even as a teenager.

Harris gained experience playing travel baseball across Georgia and other southern states. Those games helped him face tough competition early on.

High School and Notable Achievements

Stockbridge High School in Georgia became Harris’s proving ground. He played both as a pitcher and an outfielder, showing off his versatility.

Scouts took notice. During high school, Harris put up:

• Big batting numbers
• Speed on the bases
• Strong pitching outings
• Top-notch defense in center field

His senior year was something else. He led Stockbridge to new heights and picked up All-State honors and Region Player of the Year. By then, everyone knew he was one of Georgia’s top prospects.

College Commitments and Draft Decision

Harris first committed to play college ball at Texas Christian University (TCU). Their program is legit, but pro teams started circling.

Schools like Mississippi State, Alabama, and Georgia also wanted him. Harris weighed his choices, thinking hard about college versus going pro.

When the 2019 MLB Draft came around, the Atlanta Braves grabbed him in the third round, 98th overall. Getting picked by his hometown team made the decision easier.

He turned down college, signed with the Braves, and got a signing bonus that showed how much they believed in his future.

Professional MLB Career

Michael Harris II’s path to the majors has been fast and impressive. He brings a rare mix of power, speed, and defense, making him a rising star for the Braves.

MLB Debut and Early Impact

Harris made his MLB debut with the Braves after tearing through the minors. The Braves called him up straight from Double-A Mississippi on May 28, 2022, skipping Triple-A entirely.

He didn’t need much time to adjust. Harris immediately made a difference, showing poise and confidence at the big-league level.

In center field, he stabilized the Braves’ defense with his range and arm. At the plate, he looked like a seasoned hitter, showing both average and power.

He contributed in every area—hitting, fielding, baserunning. The Braves were contending, and Harris fit right in.

Major League Performance and Highlights

Since joining the Braves, Harris has proven he’s a five-tool guy. He racks up home runs and steals at a pace you don’t see often in young players.

His defense? It’s highlight-reel stuff. He regularly ranks among the league’s best in stats like Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved.

Some key numbers:

• High batting average
• Double-digit homers
• Elite base-stealing
• Gold Glove-worthy defense

Harris delivers in clutch moments, too. He’s become a key piece in the Braves’ lineup.

Awards and Recognitions

Harris’s rookie year was nothing short of spectacular. He grabbed the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2022.

The Braves didn’t waste time—they offered him an eight-year, $72 million contract early on. That kind of deal, especially for someone with so little service time, is rare.

His defense puts him in the Gold Glove conversation every year. All-Star buzz keeps growing, too.

Analysts and former players often praise Harris’s mature style of play. Some even compare him to established MLB stars.

Team Role and Notable Teammates

Harris is part of a young, exciting core with guys like Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, and Ozzie Albies. This group is the heart of the Braves’ future.

He locks down center field, while Matt Olson anchors first base. Harris’s range helps Braves pitchers attack hitters more aggressively.

He usually bats in the middle or lower part of the order. That speed and power combo gives the lineup extra depth behind sluggers like Riley and Olson.

When Dansby Swanson left in free agency, Harris’s leadership role grew. The Braves look to him as a model of professionalism and work ethic.

Michael Harris II Contract Details

Michael Harris II’s contract with the Braves reflects their belief in him. It’s one of the more notable early-career extensions in recent baseball memory, giving both sides security and value.

Original Signing and Bonus

The Braves picked Harris in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. As a Georgia high schooler, he signed his first minor league contract right away.

Details about his original signing bonus aren’t widely shared, but it followed the usual draft slot rules. MLB draftees typically get a bonus based on draft position.

Harris moved quickly through the Braves’ system. His performance convinced the team they’d found a cornerstone player worth locking up.

Contract Extension Overview

In August 2022, Harris and the Braves agreed to an eight-year, $72 million extension. The deal came shockingly early in his big-league career, showing just how much faith the team had in him.

The contract includes $72 million guaranteed, giving Harris financial security while he’s still in his early 20s.

It covers his arbitration years and even some free agency seasons, running through 2030. The Braves also added team options for 2031 and 2032, so they could keep Harris into his 30s.

That’s a bold move, offering an extension so soon after his debut.

Salary Structure and Base Salaries

Harris’s contract has a typical MLB extension structure. The average annual salary is about $9 million, but the yearly amounts go up over time.

For 2023, Harris reportedly earned $8 million. That’s a huge jump from what he’d have made pre-arbitration.

The contract probably features:

• Lower salaries up front
• Gradual raises each year
• Possible bonuses for performance
• Maybe some deferred money

This setup helps both sides. Harris gets financial security now, and the Braves could get a bargain if he keeps getting better. The deal basically bought out his arbitration and potential free agency years.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Michael Harris II has built up solid wealth through his MLB career. Most of his value comes from his big contract, but he’s got other income streams too.

Estimated Net Worth Breakdown

Right now, Michael Harris II’s net worth sits around $7 million. That’s mostly thanks to his Braves contract.

That eight-year, $72 million extension he signed in August 2022 could keep him in Atlanta through 2032 if the team picks up the options.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Base salary: Annual payments that go up over time
• Signing bonus: A nice chunk up front
• Club options: Two more years that could bump the total even higher

His rookie contract and earlier earnings added to his net worth, too.

Endorsements and Additional Income

Harris doesn’t just earn from baseball. He’s started to pick up endorsements and other opportunities as his profile grows.

Brands have noticed him, especially after that NL Rookie of the Year win. His social media presence and popularity make him even more marketable.

He also brings in money from:

• Merchandise
• Paid appearances
• Signing memorabilia

These extra earnings help round out his financial picture. As Harris’s career keeps trending upward, his endorsement potential will likely grow too.

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Away from baseball, Michael Harris II stays connected to his Georgia roots. He’s active in the community and values where he came from.

Family and Hometown Roots

Michael Harris II was born on March 7, 2001, in DeKalb, Georgia. That’s where he built his foundation as a person and an athlete.

Even as his MLB profile rises, he keeps those hometown ties strong. In 2023, Harris married his wife Esther. They keep their relationship pretty private, balancing family life with the demands of pro baseball.

He often credits his family for their support along the way. His parents were there for him from youth leagues to the Braves, and he doesn’t forget it.

Charity and Community Involvement

Harris really tries to give back to the communities that shaped him. Even though he’s still early in his career, he’s already started to make a difference off the field with several charitable projects.

He joins Braves community events and spends time with youth baseball programs around Atlanta. These programs work to get more kids playing baseball, especially in areas that don’t have as many resources.

Harris cares a lot about youth sports in his hometown region. Thanks to his rising net worth of approximately $7 million, he can do even more for the community.

When the season ends, Harris usually heads back to Georgia. He runs baseball clinics and mentorship events, showing how much he wants to help the next generation of athletes from his home state.