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Braves Extend Rookie of the Year Candidate Through 2032

The Braves signed Michael Harris II to an eight-year, $72 million contract that will run through 2030 and could extend through ’32, the team announced Tuesday.

Harris will make $5 million during the 2023 to 2024 seasons, $8 million during the 2025-26 seasons, $9 million in 2027, $10 million in the 2028-29 seasons and $12 million during the 2030 season. His contract also includes a pair of club options for 2031 and 2032 respectively.

The 21-year-old has a $15 million club option with a $5 million buyout in 2031, followed by a $20 million club option with another $5 million buyout in 2032. If Harris exercises both of his club options, his deal would be worth $102 million over 10 years. It also means Atlanta would have Harris through 2032, the same year that Austin Riley’s contract is up.

Harris, a local kid who grew up 20 minutes outside of Atlanta in DeKalb, Georgia, was called up from Double-A in May. Through 71 games, Harris has slashed .287/.325/.500 with 12 home runs. In June, MLB named Harris the National League Rookie of the Month, as he recorded 35 hits, 13 extra-base hits, 16 RBI and four stolen bases.

Atlanta’s move to sign Harris comes as another piece in the bigger picture of the franchise securing its youth to long-term deals. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has now secured five players, including Harris, to long-term deals.

Atlanta secured a deal with first baseman Matt Olsen on an eight-year, $168 million deal after acquiring him in a trade during the preseason. The franchise signed Austin Riley to a 10-year, franchise-record $212 million extension this month.

In April 2019, the Braves signed Ronald Acuna Jr. to an eight-year, $100 million deal, while Ozzie Albies signed a seven-year, $35 million deal during the same month.