Wild Things Re-Sign Outfielder James Harris for 2018
WASHINGTON, Pa. (March 16) - When the Wild Things signed outfielder James Harris July 8, 2017, and he subsequently made his debut with the team during a game against the Gateway Grizzlies just before the 2017 Frontier League All-Star Break, the Oakland, California, native became the first former first-round draft choice to play for the Wild Things in the franchise's history. Today the team announced Harris has been re-signed for the 2018 season.
Harris was, and still is, the 10th former first rounder to play in the Frontier League. One of them, Josh Smoker, who played for the Rockford Aviators in 2014, is now competing for a spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates' opening-day roster. Re-signing with the Wild Things is an opportunity for Harris to continue to play professionally, ultimately giving him the chance to continue to work towards his goal of playing in the major leagues.
The 24-year old outfielder was drafted 60th overall by the Tampa Bay Rays (first round compensatory) in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft at 17 years old, one pick ahead of Pirates' first baseman Josh Bell, out of Oakland Tech High School (California). That is the same high school that produced Ricky Henderson, the all-time MLB leader for stolen bases and runs scored. Harris played parts of seven seasons in two separate farm systems: Tampa Bay and Oakland.
Once coming to Washington, Harris immediately lengthened the lineup, making an impact at the top of the lineup and at all three outfield positions. He sported a slash line of .299/.371/.444 in 46 regular-season games (211 plate appearances) with the team in 2017. He had 10 doubles, a triple and five home runs during the regular season. Harris added two home runs and four RBI, as well as three stolen bases in the playoffs, to go along with the aforementioned numbers, and 18 stolen bases prior to the postseason.
James was named the Frontier League's Player of the Week for the last week of the regular season, as he went 13-26 at the plate with three doubles, a triple and a home run that week, on top of his 10 runs scored, eight RBI and three stolen bases.
“James was the most impactful in-season acquisition for us [in 2017]. He added such a unique dimension to our lineup and his clubhouse demeanor provided us a shot in the arm down the stretch," said assistant general manager of team operations Tony Buccilli. "You can see why he was a first-round selection when you watch the maturity to his game. We view James as a legitimate All-Star caliber player in the Frontier League and such an impactful figure to our lineup. Like us, James has high expectations for the 2018 season and we look forward to seeing him showcase his skills in Washington.”
After starting 2017 with Stockton in the A's organization, adjusting to the Frontier League made for a "different," but "fun" experience for Harris.
"It was a different style of play and an adjustment. It's definitely a competitive league," said Harris. "Pitching was different because when you're affiliated, the pitching staff has things they're working on versus now guys are going to throw their best pitch whenever they want."
Harris also talked about his thoughts on the season that was, as well as his expectations for the upcoming campaign.
"I think I did pretty well in the time I was there. I wanted to come in and do what I could to help get this team a championship. I wanted to bring some leadership and aggressiveness to our team and I think we achieved that," said Harris. "I want to maintain the same aggressiveness and leadership [in 2018]. We have new pieces to this team and are missing [some] from last year, but I expect us to compete for a title just like we did last year."
He added: "No fly zone!"
All in all, Harris said he enjoyed his time in Washington in 2017 and is looking forward to another fun, successful season in 2018.
Harris and the rest of the Wild Things will report to Spring Training towards the end of April, before opening the season in Evansville, Indiana, against the Otters Friday, May 11 at 7:35 p.m.
