It all started in February when Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II appeared on MLB Office Hours and, with zero hesitation, declared himself faster than Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler. Not only that—he claimed they’d raced, and let’s just say it didn’t end well for Butler. Simple enough, right? Just a little friendly competition.
But Butler wasn’t about to let that slide. Fast forward to this week, and he got his chance to fire back spectacularly on Baseball is Dead, hosted by former MLB pitcher and professional baseball agitator Dallas Braden. Before Braden could even finish the question, Butler jumped in, delivering one of the spiciest soundbites of spring training:
“Michael Harris is not fast. He’s actually fat now. If y’all ain’t seen him in a minute, he’s big. I see him every day—he’s getting bigger every year. The Braves need to put in some type of conditioning. I don’t know if they do the conditioning tests every spring or not – we do; that’s why our players look good, and we’re ready for the spring. But Mike is looking a little big; he needs to slow down on donuts.”
While it’s clearly all in good fun—these two 24-year-olds have been competing since their Georgia high school days—it does add a little extra spice to the upcoming season.
Who’s Really Faster? The Numbers Tell the Story
Now, let’s get into the numbers because as fun as the trash talk is, the data always tells its own story. Back in 2022, Harris ranked 30th in MLB with an average sprint speed of 29.4 mph, according to Baseball Savant. That number dipped to 28.3 mph in 2024, dropping him all the way down to 141st in the league.
Meanwhile, Butler wasn’t exactly lighting up the speed charts either—his 27.6 mph sprint speed ranked 239th. Butler still landed in the 91st percentile in baserunning value, while Harris sat in the 43rd. Maybe Harris was faster once upon a time, but Butler knows how to use his speed more effectively.
Big Contracts, Bigger Expectations
And let’s not forget the financial side of things. Butler just secured himself a shiny new seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension with the A’s. In turn, putting him in the same pay range as Harris. Atlanta’s CF signed an eight-year, $72 million deal with the Braves before the 2023 season. That’s a pretty solid payday for two young outfielders still working to establish themselves as long-term stars.
As for their 2024 performances, both had solid—if not spectacular—seasons. Harris, limited to 110 games due to a hamstring strain, hit .264 with 16 home runs, 48 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, and a .722 OPS. His defensive value remained strong, with 11 defensive runs saved, but overall, his numbers have been trending downward since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2022.
However, Butler hit .262 with 22 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases over 125 games. His OPS (.807) and WAR (3.0) were right in line with Harris, and his second-half surge—hitting .304 with a .943 OPS from June 30 onward—suggests he might be the one on the rise.
The Rivalry Continues
Is Harris really fat now? No, he’s not. Is Butler starting to gain the upper hand in this friendly rivalry? That might just be a different story. Either way, one thing’s for sure—next time these two face off, you better believe we’ll all be watching. If Michael Harris II’s recent game is any indication, the Braves in for a great year.
