Braves outfielder, Stockbridge alum Michael Harris II wins NL Rookie of the Year

NEW YORK — The Baseball Writers Association of America named Braves outfielder Michael Harris II as its 2022 National League Rookie of the Year on Monday night.

It is the first time in four years that an Atlanta Braves player has won the award. Teammate Spencer Strider finished as the runner-up with Cardinals rookie Brendan Donovan in third.

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Only eight other Braves players have won rookie of the year: Ronald Acuna Jr. (2018), Craig Kimbrel (2011), Rafael Furcal (2000), David Justice (1990), Bob Horner (1978), Earl Williams (1971), Sam Jethroe (Boston 1950) and Alvin Dark (Boston 1948).

Justice announced Harris as the winner on MLB Network. Harris finished with 22 first-place votes and eight second-place votes. Strider finished with eight first-place votes and 21 second-place votes.

This marked the fourth time that teammates have finished in the top two for NL Rookie of the Year voting. Kimbrel won and Freddie Freeman came in second in 2011.

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Harris grew up in DeKalb and Henry counties and became a star for Stockbridge High School. The Braves drafted Harris out of high school with the No. 98 pick of the 2019 MLB draft.

The Braves called up Harris on May 28 and went on to play 114 games during the regular season. He quickly dazzled with his arm speed and flashy glove on defense with catches that left Andruw Jones amazed.

At the plate, Harris ranked first in batting average, RBI, home runs and doubles among NL rookies who qualified. He also recorded 20 stolen bases, the first time a Braves rookie accomplished that since Furcal in 2000.

Harris won the NL Rookie of the Month three times this season.

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On Aug. 16, Harris signed an eight-year, $72 million contract extension that will keep him home in Georgia for the long term.

The BWAA voted on finalists before MLB Playoffs began. Braves manager Brian Snitker is up for Manager of the Year on Tuesday and pitcher Max Fried is up to the Cy Young Award on Wednesday.

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