Braves sign star rookie outfielder to contract extension
May 31, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves have locked up the potential National League Rookie of the Year for the foreseeable future.
The Braves announced on Tuesday that they have signed outfielder Michael Harris II to an 8-year, $72 million extension. The deal can be worth up to $102 million over 10 years if the Braves pick up two option years.
#Braves Sign OF Michael Harris II: pic.twitter.com/SsC3PPvxOx
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 17, 2022
The Braves have made a habit in recent years of extending their young stars with team-friendly deals well before they hit free agency. Earlier in August, Atlanta signed third baseman Austin Riley to a 10-year, $212 million contract. He had three additional seasons under team control remaining on his current contract.
In 2019, Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Braves agreed on a new eight-year, $100 million contract. About a week later, Ozzie Albies signed a 7-year, $35 million contract extension. After trading for Matt Olson this offseason, the Braves signed him to an eight-year, $168 million deal one day later.
In 71 games this season, Harris is hitting .287 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI and 13 stolen bases. He also has a .500 slugging percentage and an .825 OPS.
