Braves Promote Top Prospect Outfielder

 

The Atlanta Braves have struggled to get above .500 this season. They're a winning team of 6-4 in their last 10 games, but are still two games under .500 on the season with a 22-24 record. The club is now reaching into its prospect pool for some help. 

This morning, the Braves promoted outfielder Michael Harris II to the big league squad. Harris will take outfielder Travis Demeritte's roster place. In the meantime, Demeritte will go down to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The #Braves today selected the contract of Michael Harris II to the major league roster after optioning OF Travis Demeritte to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game. Harris II will wear No. 23.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 28, 2022

The Braves promoting Harris comes as a surprise. The 21-year-old hasn't even played Triple-A ball yet,  and he ranks lower in the league-wide prospect pool than many other talents who are still grinding things out in the minors. 

The Braves drafted Harris in the third round of the 2019 draft. Despite his lack of experience in high-level ball, he's impressed in High-A at a younger age than usual for over a year now. While playing outfield for Atlanta's High-A affiliate, Harris slashed .294/.362/.436 over 420 plate appearances. He hit seven homers and stole 27 bases over 31 attempts. He's unique mix of speed and power has convinced most scouting pools that he is a top-60 prospect. Baseball America lists him as the 46th best prospect in all of baseball. 

That being said, Harris brings several tools the Braves need immediately. He's a switch hitter and an excellent fielder. It seems likely that Harris will split time with Adam Duvall in the outfield, who's been struggling this season. Duvall is hitting just .191. 

Photo Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports