Braves nearing eight-year contract extension with rookie center fielder Michael Harris II, per reports

The Atlanta Braves are close to locking up another core player to a long-term extension. Outfielder Michael Harris II is nearing an eight-year extension worth $72 million, reports FanSided and the New York Post. The contract may include an option for a ninth season. The Braves have not yet confirmed the deal.

Atlanta has aggressively locked up their core position players to long-term, team-friendly contracts that guarantee the player a life-changing sum of money. Once the deal is finalized, Harris will be the fifth Braves player signed through at least 2025, joining outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., second baseman Ozzie Albies, first baseman Matt Olson, and third baseman Austin Riley.

Harris’ contract would be the third richest guarantee ever for a player with less than one full year of service time. Here’s the list:

Harris, 21, entered the season as Atlanta’s top prospect and was summoned to the big leagues straight from Double-A in late May. The Braves skipped him right over Triple-A and Harris has rewarded their faith with a .287/.325/.500 batting line and 12 home runs in 71 games. He is also a perfect 13 for 13 in stolen base attempts.

Beyond the offense, Harris is also an outstanding defensive center fielder. The total package has been worth 2.9 WAR in less than half a season of playing time. Harris is the favorite to be named NL Rookie of the Year at the moment, with teammate Spencer Strider his top competition.

Tuesday’s win over the New York Mets (ATL 5, NYM 0) improved the Braves to 72-46 on the season. The defending World Series champs are 3 1/2 games back in the NL East, and they could soon welcome Mike Soroka back to the rotation.