Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Michael Harris II

Michael Harris II is an American professional baseball center fielder for the of (MLB). Born on March 7, 2001, in DeKalb, Georgia, he attended Stockbridge High School and was selected by the Braves in the third round (98th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft. Harris made his MLB debut on May 28, 2022, against the , quickly establishing himself as a dynamic known for his elite defensive skills, speed, and power-hitting potential. In his rookie season of 2022, Harris earned the Rookie of the Year Award after posting a .297 with 19 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 114 games, while also winning the Gold Glove Award for center field with exceptional range and arm strength. He followed this with an selection in 2022, showcasing his ability to impact games on both sides of the ball, including 18 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 2023 despite injury setbacks. Through the 2025 season, Harris has appeared in 522 games, batting .274 with 73 home runs, 255 RBIs, and 70 stolen bases, achieving a .758 (OPS). His 2025 campaign marked a career-high 160 , during which he hit .249 with 20 home runs, 86 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and a .677 OPS, demonstrating improved durability after previous seasons limited by injuries to fewer than 115 games. Harris stands at 6 feet tall, weighs 195 pounds, and bats and throws left-handed.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Michael Harris II was born on March 7, 2001, in , near Decatur. He grew up in a close-knit family in the metropolitan area, spending his childhood across DeKalb and counties. His parents, Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris, instilled a strong athletic foundation; his father was a standout at in the 1980s, earning All-SWAC honors as a versatile infielder and pitcher, while his mother worked as a teacher in the . From an early age, Harris's family nurtured his passion for , with his father playing a pivotal role in encouraging his involvement in the sport. He started playing T-ball at around age 4 or 5 at Gresham Park, a historic community baseball complex in Decatur, and advanced through local youth leagues. Growing up just minutes from , Harris idolized stars like and , often attending games with his family and aspiring to play for his hometown team. Harris initially explored multiple sports during his childhood, including , , and track, reflecting his father's versatile athletic background. He eventually focused on , developing as a in local programs. For his education, Harris attended Stockbridge High School in , where he balanced academics and sports amid his growing commitment to the game.

High school career and draft

Harris attended Stockbridge High School in , where he quickly established himself as a standout on the varsity team. Over his high school career, he batted .442 with a .569 , 92 hits, 45 RBIs, and 76 runs scored, demonstrating consistent offensive prowess. In his senior year during the 2018-19 season, Harris hit .432 with a .570 across 26 games, earning top rankings in his region and class, including first in 4-5A for (.797). He also received first-team All-Region honors as early as his freshman year in 2016, highlighting his early impact on the program. Scouts praised Harris for his athletic profile, particularly his plus speed—clocked at a 7.00-second —allowing him to excel in center field with strong defensive range and arm strength. As a left-handed hitter, he showcased emerging power through leverage in his swing and the ability to drive balls to all fields, complemented by solid contact skills. Prior to the draft, Harris committed to Texas Tech University to continue his baseball career, though he drew significant recruiting interest from , primarily as a where his reached 93 mph. In the , the selected Harris in the third round with the 98th overall pick, a choice celebrated for his proximity to the team's home city and his lifelong of the Braves. He signed with the organization shortly thereafter for a $548,000 bonus—above the slot value—opting to turn professional and forgo his college commitment.

Professional career

Minor leagues

Following his selection by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Michael Harris II signed with the organization on June 7 and was assigned to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Braves. In 31 games there, he batted .349 with two home runs and five stolen bases, showcasing early promise in contact hitting and speed despite the limited action after his late-June signing. He was then promoted to Low-A , where he struggled with a .183 average over 22 games, finishing the year with an overall .277 average, two home runs, and eight stolen bases in 53 games across both levels. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the , halting Harris II's development for the year. In 2021, he returned at , posting a .294 average with seven home runs and a league-leading 27 stolen bases for the Braves' affiliate in 101 games, demonstrating improved plate discipline with a .362 ; he also won the for his defensive performance in center field. Harris II opened the 2022 season at Double-A , where he excelled with a .305/.372/.506 slash line, five home runs, and 11 stolen bases in 43 games before his promotion to the majors in late May. Across his career through 2022, he maintained a .292 average with 14 home runs and 46 stolen bases in 197 games, earning recognition for his elite speed—highlighted by consistent base-stealing success—and contact-oriented approach at the plate.

Major league career

Michael Harris II made his major league debut with the on May 28, 2022, against the , following a strong start in the that prompted his promotion. In his rookie season, he appeared in 114 games, slashing .297/.358/.548 with 19 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, while leading rookies in hits (123) and batting (5.3). His performance earned him the 2022 Rookie of the Year award, where he finished ahead of teammate . Prior to the 2023 season, Harris signed an eight-year, $72 million extension with the Braves on August 17, 2022, securing his future with the organization through 2030. As a full-time starter in center field, he played 138 games in 2023, posting a .293/.331/.477 slash line with 18 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, while earning his first selection. His contributions helped anchor the Braves' during their 104-58 campaign, which clinched the title. The 2024 season saw Harris sidelined by a injury in mid-June, causing him to miss approximately two months and limiting him to 110 games. Upon his return in August, he hit a in his first game back, but the injury impacted his overall production, resulting in a .264/.304/.418 slash line with 16 home runs and 10 stolen bases. Despite the setback, his defensive prowess in center field earned him consideration as a Gold Glove finalist. In 2025, Harris experienced early-season struggles, batting around .220 in the first half amid a noted slump, but he rebounded strongly after the break, hitting .366 with a .693 in August. He finished the year in 160 games with a .249 average, 20 runs, 86 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, achieving the 20-20 club for the first time in his career and emerging as a key contributor to the Braves' lineup. Through the 2025 season, Harris's career MLB statistics stood at a .274 , 73 runs, 255 RBIs, and 70 stolen bases over 522 games, highlighting his development into a dynamic with elite range.

Personal life

Family background

Michael Harris II was born on March 7, 2001, in DeKalb County, Georgia, to parents Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris. His father, a former standout college baseball player at Alcorn State University in the mid-1980s, earned All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors as a pitcher and was later inducted into the Alcorn State Braves Hall of Fame; he also played semipro ball and worked locally as a coach and umpire at community fields like Gresham Park in Atlanta. LaTaucha Harris worked as a special education teacher in the Fulton County School System, emphasizing discipline and support in the family's Atlanta-area upbringing. The couple raised their children in the suburbs of DeKalb and Henry counties, instilling values of hard work and community involvement through participation in local sports programs. Harris II has a younger sister, Mikaylah Harris, who plays and shares the family's athletic interests. Growing up as an "A-town boy" in Stockbridge, about 20 minutes south of , the family frequently attended games together, fostering his lifelong loyalty to the team and admiration for legends like , whom he idolized for his defensive prowess in center field. This environment, centered on Black community ball fields like Gresham Park—once described by his father as unmatched for its culture—shaped his early passion for the sport and reinforced family bonds through shared experiences. Throughout his career, the Harris family provided unwavering support, with his parents attending key milestones such as his 2019 MLB Draft selection and games, and expressing profound joy over his 2022 eight-year contract extension with the Braves. Michael Harris Sr. reflected on the rapid progression, stating, “It seems like yesterday he was in . Three months later, he signed a contract. It’s unbelievable.” LaTaucha Harris highlighted their local roots, noting, “He’s an A-town boy. That sums it up. Everything A.” The family even invested his $548,000 in building backyard batting cages, sacrificing space for a to aid his training, underscoring their commitment to his development. Cultural influences included strong rooted in , as Harris II has referenced gratitude to for his opportunities in interviews, reflecting the supportive, principled home environment.

Marriage and current life

Michael Harris II began dating Esther Starr in 2021, and the couple became engaged on January 2, 2024. They married in a private ceremony on November 16, 2024, in , Georgia. Braves teammate publicly congratulated the couple following the wedding. In October 2025, Harris and Esther announced they are expecting their first child, a boy, due in early 2026; the family shared the gender reveal and related moments publicly on . Off the field, Harris prioritizes family time with his wife and participates in community events in through his Catch 23 Foundation, which aids underprivileged youth via programs including clinics and back-to-school initiatives. The foundation, launched in 2022, continues to host events supporting local youth in 2024 and 2025. Harris has spoken about the challenges of balancing MLB travel with marriage, including the long 162-game season's demands on personal life. Esther has emphasized mutual sacrifices in their relationship, such as preparing home-cooked meals for road trips to maintain stability and providing emotional support amid Harris's 2025 season difficulties.

References

  1. [1]
    Michael Harris II Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    Michael Harris II Bio ; Fullname: Michael Machion Harris II ; Born: 3/07/2001 in DeKalb, GA ; Draft: 2019, Atlanta Braves, Round: 3, Overall Pick: 98 ; High School: ...
  2. [2]
    Michael Harris II called up by Braves - MLB.com
    May 28, 2022 · Harris' dream came true on Saturday, when the Braves called him up from Double-A Mississippi to make his Major League debut in a 4-1 loss to the Marlins.<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Michael Harris II could be elite for Braves in 2025 - MLB.com
    Jan 9, 2025 · Harris has hit .285 with 53 homers, 50 steals and a .794 OPS over 362 games through three seasons. He finished one home run shy of a 20-20 season during his ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Michael Harris II discusses health ahead of Braves' season - MLB.com
    Feb 16, 2025 · The outfielder has played fewer than 115 games in two of his first three seasons. But he has already done enough with his bat and glove to rank ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Michael Harris II Biography, Age, Net Worth & Career - Mabumbe
    Aug 19, 2025 · Born in Decatur, Georgia, to parents who nurtured his athletic ambitions—his father, Michael Sr., had played college ball at Alcorn State, while ...
  6. [6]
    Braves' No. 1 prospect Michael Harris' ties to Alcorn - Mississippi ...
    Apr 22, 2022 · His dad, Michael Harris I, was a standout for longtime Alcorn State baseball coach Rat McGowan back in the mid 1980s, and he was versatile, too.Missing: Sr. | Show results with:Sr.
  7. [7]
    Michael Harris' baseball life has always been in Braves Country
    Sep 30, 2022 · Atlanta's star rookie, raised by a baseball family on Black community ball fields, didn't have to go far when he skyrocketed to MLB.Missing: early | Show results with:early
  8. [8]
    Who are Michael Harris II's parents? A glimpse into the family life of ...
    May 12, 2023 · Michael Harris II was born to LaTaucha Harris and Michael Harris Sr on March 7, 2001 at Dekalb County in Georgia. His father was influential in ...Missing: early background
  9. [9]
    21-year-old Braves rookie Michael Harris II's journey from fan to fixture
    Sep 29, 2022 · As a child growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Harris idolized Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones and the Atlanta Braves. Now, he generates comparisons ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  10. [10]
    Michael Harris II Could Have Become a Pitcher | FanGraphs Baseball
    Aug 26, 2022 · Laurila: Changing direction, were you a multi-sport athlete growing up? Harris: “Yes. I basically played every sport except hockey… everything ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  11. [11]
    Michael Harris' High School Baseball Stats - Max Preps
    Apr 18, 2019 · Top Stats: Avg .442, OBP .569, H 92, RBI 45, R 76, FP .988, Batting Baserunning Fielding Pitching, Batting (1), Batting (2).Missing: Region honors
  12. [12]
    Michael Harris' High School Career Home - Max Preps
    Michael is ranked in the top 26 in Georgia for 1 stat, top 3 in Class 5A for 4 stats, and top 1 in 4-5A for 4 stats. Slugging Percentage: .797 26th in GeorgiaMissing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  13. [13]
    [PDF] Henry County Board of Education - eBOARDsolutions
    HARRIS, II, IS A NATIVE OF GEORGIA, AND A GRADUATE OF STOCKBRIDGE ... REMARKABLE ATHLETIC AWARDS INCLUDING 2016 1ST TEAM ALL REGION ... HARRIS, II, EARNED THE ...
  14. [14]
    https://members.baseballfactory.com/player/michael/harris/227cdc8130844fedb03efb73045505ce
  15. [15]
    What to expect from Michael Harris II in the Majors - MLB.com
    May 28, 2022 · Harris also has plus speed, which not only allows him to cover a lot of ground in the outfield but has also helped him be a very effective base ...
  16. [16]
    Braves Player Pool Profile: OF Michael Harris II - Battery Power
    Jul 22, 2020 · Power is the calling card for Harris as he creates leverage in his swing and can drive the ball to all fields. His exit velocities are easy plus ...
  17. [17]
    Major League Baseball Spotlight Player: Atlanta Braves' Michael ...
    May 1, 2024 · The left-handed hitting Harris 23, has been extremely productive since his Braves debut in 2022, at the age of 21.
  18. [18]
    'Dream come true': Stockbridge's Michael Harris gets drafted by ...
    Jun 5, 2019 · Stockbridge High's Michael Harris was selected by the Braves with the 98th pick of the 2019 MLB Draft.
  19. [19]
    Braves Promote Blue-Chip Rookie Michael Harris II Ahead ... - Forbes
    May 30, 2022 · He'll earn the major-league minimum of $700,000 – considerably more than the $548,000 signing bonus he received from the Braves after they ...
  20. [20]
    Michael Harris II #23 - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball
    Michael Harris II #23 ; Status: Active ; Born: 3/07/2001 in DeKalb, GA ; Draft: 2019, Atlanta Braves, Round: 3, Overall Pick: 98 ; High School: Stockbridge, ...
  21. [21]
    Michael Harris II - Stats - Batting | FanGraphs Baseball
    ### Minor League Batting Stats for Michael Harris II (2019-2022)
  22. [22]
    Season Officially Canceled | MiLB.com
    Minor League Baseball announced today that the 2020 baseball season has been officially canceled due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
  23. [23]
    Michael Harris II Minor Leagues Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
    Michael Harris II Minor Leagues Statistics including batting, fielding, prospect rankings and more on Baseball-Reference.com.
  24. [24]
    Michael Harris II wins 2022 NL Rookie of Year - MLB.com
    Nov 14, 2022 · Despite not making his MLB debut until May 28, Harris led all NL rookies with a 5.3 bWAR. The Cardinals' Brendan Donovan, who finished third in ...
  25. [25]
    Michael Harris Ii Rookie Season Stats | StatMuse
    Michael Harris II had a batting average of .297 with 123 hits, 19 home runs, 64 RBIs and 75 runs scored in 114 games in his rookie season in 2022.
  26. [26]
    Braves, Michael Harris II Agree To Eight-Year Extension
    Aug 16, 2022 · They've signed rookie center fielder Michael Harris II to an eight-year, $72MM contract spanning the 2023-30 seasons.<|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Michael Harris II Stats: Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics
    Atlanta Braves invited non-roster OF Michael Harris II to spring training. 03/13/2022, OF Michael Harris II roster status changed by Atlanta Braves. 07/13/2021 ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  28. [28]
    Michael Harris News - RotoWire
    The 22-year-old played in 110 games as he missed two months due to a hamstring injury, and his .722 OPS was nearly 100 points lower than his 2023 figure.
  29. [29]
    How Last Season Predicts Monster 2025 for Braves Michael Harris II
    Dec 1, 2024 · Heading into September, Harris was still a bit slow out of the gate from his hamstring injury. He had that grand slam in his first game back, ...
  30. [30]
    Harris, Braves believe he can snap out of slump 'in a heartbeat'
    Jun 30, 2025 · Michael Harris II's two-run homer (5) ; Groundball rate: 52.5% (2025), 49.4% (2024), 47.2% (2023) ; Hard-hit rate: 40.2% (2025), 47% (2024), 48.5% ...
  31. [31]
    Michael Harris II - Atlanta Braves Center Fielder - ESPN
    View the profile of Atlanta Braves Center Fielder Michael Harris II on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.Stats · Batter vs Pitching Stats · Game Log · Full Splits
  32. [32]
    Atlanta Braves' No. 1 prospect Michael Harris is a chip off the old ...
    Apr 22, 2022 · His dad, Michael Harris I, was a standout for longtime Alcorn State baseball coach Rat McGowan back in the mid 1980s, and he was versatile, too.Missing: Sr. | Show results with:Sr.
  33. [33]
    Who are Michael Harris II Parents? - Sportskeeda
    Nov 9, 2023 · Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris are the parents of Michael Harris II. From an early age Harris had a passion for becoming a baseball player.Missing: background | Show results with:background
  34. [34]
    Q&A: Braves center fielder Michael Harris II
    Mar 29, 2023 · Q: When you were a kid, who were the athletes you idolized? A: Me being from Atlanta, definitely Jason Heyward. I like Chipper, I like Andruw ...
  35. [35]
    “He's an A-town boy:” Michael Harris II's family overjoyed ... - Yahoo
    Aug 17, 2022 · “He's an A-town boy:” Michael Harris II's family overjoyed he's staying with hometown Braves. Courtney Martinez. Wed, August 17, 2022 at 11:37 ...
  36. [36]
    Michael Harris IIs' family on watching his MLB debut | Atlanta Braves
    May 28, 2022 · Michael Harris II's family joins the Braves' broadcast to share their emotions on watching his Major League debut against the Marlins.Missing: support | Show results with:support