"I would not sign a guy who has only played 70 games in the majors but that's just me" "Dude, this GM is goated" - MLB fans divided over Braves rookie Michael Harris' $72 million contract

Atlanta Braves rookie Michael Harris has been on a tear in his short time in the MLB. Harris has been a tremendous help to Atlanta this year.

With Atlanta three games behind the Mets, the defending champs are on-pace for another October run. Making sure they have their future in order, they decided to ink their rookie outfielder to an eight-year deal. Harris will be a Brave for the next eight years, racking up about $72 million in that time.

With Atlanta locking up Harris to secure their outfield for the next several seasons, some fans have questioned the signing. They believe that this contract is too much for someone who has only played half of an MLB season.

While Harris has only played half a season, there is no denying the potential for what he can grow into. Aside from that, if Atlanta can sign him now, they will save more money. It's a gamble, as Harris could just be on a hot streak, but this is a strategy more professional teams are taking. The younger you sign a player, the more money you save.

Atlanta signed Austin Riley to a 10-year, $212 million contract earlier this year and has Acuna and Ozzie Albies through 2025. This team is loaded with young talent. After winning the World Series in 2021, the team could dominate the MLB for the next couple of seasons.

While the deal is great for Atlanta, some fans questioned whether Michael Harris signed too early and for too little.

Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has this team ready to go for the next several seasons

Anthopoulos has made some great signings in recent years. He has set the Braves up for long-term success.

It is tough for fans of other teams to see how many moves the Braves have made and how well they are setting themselves up for the future. With Atlanta having a core of Acuna, Olson, Riley, Albies, and Harris over the next several seasons, the team will be a fun group to watch.

About the author

Jared "Bloomy" Bloom is a journalist covering Major League Baseball at Sportskeeda and a former college baseball pitcher from Illinois, who just graduated with a Master's degree in Sport Psychology.

A writer with over 3 years of experience, Jared is consistently more concerned with quality than quantity, thoroughly checking multiple sources of information, and prides himself in being knowledgeable not just about MLB, but the game of baseball in general. He loves breaking down plays and game-changing moments, as well as looking closer into players' statistics.

Jared is a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, and one of his earliest memories is seeing his great-grandfather, a huge Sox fan, in his rocking chair watching a game. Jared started playing from the age of 5 with his grandfather coaching him early on.

Jared loved Tim Lincecum for his quirky delivery and looked up to him as a role model when playing. His current favorite is Phillies star Bryce Harper, an exciting player who doesn't let injuries hold him back. Jared's favorite sports moment is Mark Buehrle's opening day between-the-legs glove flip to first base in 2010.

When he is not watching or writing about baseball, Jared can be found racing BMX at his local Rockford BMX track or coaching his local youth travel baseball team.

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"I would not sign a guy who has only played 70 games in the majors but that's just me" "Dude, this GM is goated" - MLB fans divided over Atlanta Braves rookie Michael Harris' 8-year, $72 million contract

Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has this team ready to go for the next several seasons