Hayden Harris, a homegrown Georgia talent and former Savannah Bananas pitcher, just made it to the big leagues. On September 2, 2025, the Atlanta Braves called up the left-hander to the major league roster for the first time.
This moment capped off a steady, years-long climb through the baseball ranks. Harris’ journey from college standout to minor league workhorse — and now to MLB pitcher — shows what persistence and seizing every shot can do.
Braves Roster Moves Open the Door for Harris
The Braves promoted Harris as part of a roster shuffle before a crucial September stretch. Jurickson Profar went on the paternity list, and reliever Hunter Stratton headed to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Those moves made space for Harris, who’d been knocking on the door all season with standout minor league performances. Even though he’d gotten Spring Training invites before, this is the first time he’s cracked Atlanta’s regular season roster.
A Reward for Dominance in the Minors
This year, Harris split his time between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett. He put together one of the most dominant relief campaigns in pro baseball.
Across 39 appearances, the hard-throwing lefty posted an almost absurd 0.36 ERA, allowing just two earned runs over 48 innings. He racked up six wins, four saves, and 73 strikeouts — not bad, right?
A Familiar Face at Truist Park
Harris knows Truist Park well. Earlier in 2025, he represented the Braves in the MLB Futures Game during All-Star Weekend.
That showcase gave him a shot to pitch in front of a major league crowd, and it hinted at his eventual debut. Braves fans in the stands got a sneak peek at a pitcher whose time was obviously coming.
From Georgia Southern to the Savannah Bananas
The Grovetown, Georgia native’s baseball roots go deep in the state. Harris played five seasons (2018–2022) at Georgia Southern University, where he built a reputation as a gritty competitor who could handle big moments.
In the summer of 2021, he joined the Savannah Bananas, a team famous for mixing entertainment and competitive baseball. His regular season stint was short, but in the playoffs, he helped the Bananas secure the Coastal Plain League championship.
The Long Journey to the Show
After going undrafted, Harris signed a minor league deal with the Braves in 2022. He paid his dues in the farm system, developing his craft and grinding through multiple affiliates.
It’s not an easy road — the grind tests both physical ability and mental toughness. Somehow, Harris came out the other side with a spot on a playoff-contending roster.
Skills That Could Impact the Braves Immediately
Harris isn’t your typical September call-up. His ability to shut down hitters from the left side gives the Braves a valuable bullpen weapon down the stretch.
He’s got pinpoint command, a deceptive delivery, and the mental edge that comes from high-pressure playoff environments in college and summer ball. Maybe he’s exactly what Atlanta needs right now.
- Strikeout Machine: Averaged more than 13 strikeouts per nine innings in 2025.
- Proven Winner: Savannah Bananas playoff hero and CPL champion.
- Local Connection: Brings Georgia pride to the Braves’ bullpen.
What’s Next for Harris and the Braves
The Braves have been contenders for years now. They’re searching for relievers they can trust as the season winds down and the playoffs approach.
If Harris brings his minor league fire to the majors, he might just carve out a spot for himself moving forward. These next few weeks feel huge—not just for Harris, but for the Braves too.
Fans who’ve watched Harris since his Georgia Southern days, or even during his time with the quirky Savannah Bananas, have got to love this. It’s not just a roster move; it’s a local guy chasing his dream and actually making it.
The road to Atlanta took a while, with plenty of twists. But for Hayden Harris, you get the sense this is just the start.
Here is the source article for this story: Former GSU Eagle, Savannah Banana promoted to Atlanta Braves
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