Chipper Jones: Braves' Harris 'a 'superstar'

Hall of Famer Chipper Jones believes the sky is the limit for Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II.

"Michael Harris is a superstar," Jones told MLB.com's Mark Bowman. "There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I saw him coming up and immediately thought he was a left-handed Ronald Acuna (Jr.). He's just a phenomenal kid. He works hard. He's the kind of guy you really pull for."

Harris won National League Rookie of the Year last season. The 21-year-old burst onto the scene after just 43 games at Double-A. Harris hit 19 home runs, stole 20 bases, and posted a 136 wRC+ across 114 games for the Braves in 2022.

Atlanta rewarded Harris in August with an eight-year contract extension worth at least $72 million.

Jones said the sky is the limit for the entire Braves lineup in 2023.

"The core is here," Jones said. "We've got five or six studs in the starting lineup. The key is keeping them healthy all year and providing this pitching staff with as much offense as we can."

Atlanta bolstered its lineup this offseason with the acquisition of Gold Glove catcher Sean Murphy in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.

The Braves have six hitters projected to hit at least 20 home runs this season by FanGraphs. The club finished second in home runs and third in runs scored in 2022.