Braves call in top prospects, local product to reshape the outfield

The Atlanta Braves call their top prospect and local product, Michael Harris II.

It was only a matter of time before that Atlanta Braves called Top view, Michael Harris II.

With Travis Demeritte struggling on the plate, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos decided Saturday was time to swap an Atlanta-area native for another in the outfield. With the Winder-Barrow product dating back to Triple-A Gwinnett, the former Stockbridge star now has a chance to play for his hometown team at the big league level. Look for Harris to play right away.

Atlanta announced Saturday morning that Harris will be called up and will wear the No. 23 jersey.

Welcome to the show, Michael Harris II!

Atlanta Braves Call Top Prospects: Who Is Michael Harris II?

The Braves organization is proud to have designed and developed many of the outstanding achievements of local high schools. Youth baseball is big business in the Metro Atlanta area, so it’s no surprise how well the Braves have explored the area in the past. While Harris had the opportunity to play college ball at Texas Tech, he signed with his hometown team as a third-round pick in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft.

Harris is just 21 and had an estimated arrival time at the big league level of 2023. Some may argue that he skipped former top prospect Drew Waters in line. Waters is two years older than Harris and plays nearby Triple-A Gwinnett. Harris played a few states over in double-AA Mississippi. Atlanta calling Harris certainly sent out shockwaves.

Not only is Harris ranked No. 1 in the Braves organization, but he is ranked No. 59 in all of baseball. Despite being the only Braves prospect in the top 100, Atlanta ceded some key pieces to the Oakland Athletics in the Matt Olson deal. Also, this team is the reigning World Series champion. Harris could be added to the lineup on Saturday to make his Braves debut.

Note that Harris mostly helps outfield defense early in his rookie season.