TIME SPORTS SPOTLIGHTS BRAVES STAR IN NEW ICON LIST
The city of Atlanta is buzzing as Michael Harris II—the Braves’ electrifying young center field star—is named to TIME Sports’ ‘Next Gen MLB Icons’ list. The honor recognizes the 24-year-old as one of the most promising, marketable, and impactful players poised to define the future of baseball.
Harris II, a local product from Stockbridge, GA, has always carried the weight of the city’s pride, especially after signing a massive eight-year, $72 million contract that ties him to the Braves through 2030. His selection to the TIME list celebrates his rare combination of Gold Glove-caliber defense, elite speed, and growing power, which culminated in his first career 20 home run, 20 stolen base season in 2025 (he hit .249 with 20 HR and 20 SB).
THE QUIET, POWERFUL STATEMENT
But what truly moved fans wasn’t the honor itself, it was the quiet yet powerful statement Harris II delivered during his interview with TIME, revealing a hunger that goes far beyond his current achievements:
“I know what I’m capable of when I put a full season together, and honestly, this is just the beginning,” Harris stated. “I’m just getting started. I have so much more to prove to myself and to the best fans in baseball.”
This quote resonated deeply with Braves Nation, especially after a disappointing 2025 season (76-86 record) that was marred by injuries and inconsistency. Harris himself experienced a tale of two halves, struggling mightily before the All-Star break, only to return with a red-hot tear in the second half where he was arguably one of the league’s most productive hitters for several weeks.
CARRYING THE ATLANTA LEGACY
Harris II’s promise that he is “just getting started” is more than just a motivational phrase; it’s a commitment to consistency, which the team desperately needs for a successful rebound.
Defensive Pinnacle: His fielding percentage in 2025 was a career-best $.998$, solidifying his status as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game (95th percentile in fielding range).
Acuña’s Partner: With franchise cornerstone Ronald Acuña Jr. battling recurrent injuries, Harris II is rapidly evolving into the secondary face of the franchise, carrying the high expectations of the organization on his shoulders.
For a city that saw its team fall far short of expectations, hearing their young, homegrown superstar promise a higher ceiling is the emotional spark they needed this offseason. It underscores that the Atlanta legacy is still unfolding, and he is determined to be the key architect.
