Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris has stayed active in his community during the MLB offseason.
Michael Harris II is using his MLB offseason to give back to the community that helped shape him into the player he is today. The Atlanta Braves center fielder recently shared details of the 2026 Sandlot Stars Weekend on his Instagram story, promoting a free camp designed to showcase Georgia’s top high school baseball players.
@mike.harris24 on InstagramThe camp offers young athletes the chance to compete against the best in the state, prepare for their school seasons and vie to become the first champions of the Sandlot Stars Tournament. Registration is limited, with organizers noting that the catchers’ roster is already full, and only registered high school players will be allowed to participate.
Harris is joined in supporting the event by fellow MLB players Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays, Victor Scott II of the St. Louis Cardinals and Akil Baddoo of the Milwaukee Brewers. Together, they represent a diverse group of young professionals committed to inspiring the next generation of talent in Georgia.
For Harris, this initiative reflects his deep ties to the local baseball community. A Stockbridge High School product, he was drafted by the Braves in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Georgia and made his debut in May 2022.
That rookie season proved electric, as Harris posted a .297 batting average, .339 on-base percentage and .853 OPS while adding 19 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 64 RBIs, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Since then, Harris has solidified himself as Atlanta’s everyday center fielder. Known for his speed and defense, he has accumulated 70 career stolen bases through 2025. His 2025 campaign included career highs in home runs (20) and RBIs (86), marking his first 20–20 season with 20 long balls and 20 steals. While streaky at times, his all-around tools continue to make him one of the Braves’ most valuable young players.
If Harris can find consistency at the plate and fully harness his five-tool skill set, it could be transformative for a Braves team eager to return to the MLB playoffs in 2026. His ability to pair elite defense with steady offensive production would give Atlanta a reason to build around him and perhaps consider a contract extension.
By promoting the Sandlot Stars Weekend, Harris is not only preparing for another season in Atlanta but also reinforcing his commitment to the community, ensuring his influence extends well beyond the diamond.