Braves' Michael Harris Sends Message to Marcell Ozuna Before MLB Season

The young outfielder thanks his veteran teammate as Ozuna departs Atlanta.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris took to social media to send a farewell message to his longtime teammate Marcell Ozuna, who left the team in free agency this offseason to join the Pittsburgh Pirates. Harris, the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year, credited Ozuna as a veteran presence who helped guide him through the early stages of his MLB career.

Why it matters

The departure of Ozuna, who was a key part of the Braves' recent postseason runs, marks the end of an era in Atlanta. Harris, one of the team's rising young stars, will now have to adjust to life without his veteran mentor as the Braves look to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

The details

Harris, 24, posted a celebratory photo of himself and Ozuna on his Instagram story, adding the caption "My brotha Go be great!" The two players spent the last four seasons as teammates in Atlanta, with Ozuna serving as a veteran presence who helped the young Harris adjust to the demands of the major leagues after he won the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year award.

  • Ozuna left the Braves in free agency this offseason to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
  • Harris posted his farewell message to Ozuna on his Instagram story on February 11, 2026, just before the start of the new MLB season.

The players

Michael Harris

A 24-year-old outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who won the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year award.

Marcell Ozuna

A veteran designated hitter who spent the last six seasons with the Atlanta Braves, helping the team reach multiple postseasons, before signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“My brotha Go be great!”

— Michael Harris (Instagram)

What’s next

With Ozuna's departure, Harris will look to take on an even bigger leadership role with the Braves as they aim to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025 season and return to the playoffs.

The takeaway

The farewell message from Harris to Ozuna highlights the importance of veteran mentorship in helping young players like Harris adjust to the demands of Major League Baseball. As Ozuna moves on, Harris will look to apply those lessons learned to help guide the Braves back to the postseason.