Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II on Monday channeled his inner Willie Mays to make an incredible catch against the Washington Nationals.
The Braves led the Nationals 2-1 in the top of the 4th inning at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga. Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. worked a full count with a man on first and two outs against Braves starter Grant Holmes.
Garcia sent the payoff pitch deep to center field. Harris did not get a great read on the ball, which left him scrambling to find it with his back turned. But at the last second, Harris was able to locate the ball and catch it over his shoulder.
MICHAEL HARRIS II … OH MY GOODNESS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fxyRQow6IS
— MLB (@MLB) May 13, 2025
Harris’ play ended the inning and prevented the game-tying run from scoring. The defensive gem proved critical as the Braves won the tight affair 4-3. The Braves outfielder also did some damage at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in the contest.
Atlanta had high expectations for Harris after he took home NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2022. The Braves signed Harris to a massive extension even before his rookie campaign was over. He has rewarded the Braves with stellar two-way play over his first few seasons. Harris has a .279 career batting average with home run power, while also providing stellar defense in the outfield.
Harris has struggled to start the 2025 season thus far, entering Monday with a batting average of just .227 with just three home runs and a .601 OPS. But his defense has remained rock solid, as evidenced by the catch he made on Monday.
