The New York Yankees selected Harris in the 31st round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.[2] He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Gulf Coast Yankees.[3] Harris spent the entire 2016 season with Single-A Charleston River Dogs, registering a 2–4 record and 2.60 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 52.0 innings of work. He spent the 2017 season split between Single-A Charleston and High-A Tampa Yankees, posting a cumulative 3–3 record and 2.63 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 54.2 innings pitched.
In 2018, Harris played in 27 games split between the GCL Yankees, Tampa, and the Double-A Trenton Thunder, logging a 1–2 record and 2.66 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 47.1 innings of work. The following season, he made 29 appearances for Tampa, recording a 4.62 ERA and 3–4 record with 59 strikeouts in 48.2 innings pitched.[4]
Toronto Blue Jays
On December 12, 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Harris in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft.[5] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]
In 2021, Harris pitched in 42 games for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, logging a 5–2 record and 3.92 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 8 saves in 43.2 innings of work. He elected minor league free agency following the season on November 7, 2021.
Milwaukee Brewers
On November 10, 2021, Harris signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.[7] He spent the 2022 season with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, making 53 appearances and posting a 4/3 record and 2.04 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 8 saves in 53.0 innings pitched. He elected minor league free agency following the season on November 10, 2022.[8]
Washington Nationals
On November 22, 2022, Harris signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals organization.[9] In spring training with Washington, he recorded a 0.90 ERA with seven strikeouts in eight appearances, after which he was selected to the club's Opening Day roster.[10] Harris made his major league debut with a scoreless inning of relief against the Atlanta Braves, striking out Marcell Ozuna as his first major league batter faced, on April 1, 2023.[11] In 16 games out of the bullpen for Washington, he logged a 5.12 ERA with 9 strikeouts in 19+1⁄3 innings pitched. Following the season on October 18, Harris was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Rochester Red Wings.[12] He elected free agency on November 6.[13]
Minnesota Twins
On January 12, 2024, Harris signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.[14] He made 44 appearances out of the bullpen for the Triple–A St. Paul Saints, struggling to a 4–6 record and 6.79 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 5 saves across 54+1⁄3 innings pitched. Harris elected free agency following the season on November 4.[15]
Boston Red Sox
On November 21, 2024, Harris signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[16] On December 11, Harris was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft.[17]
Personal life
Harris has gone by the nickname "Hobie" for most of his life, a reference to the Hobie Cat line of boats. He grew up sailing with his father, also named Robert, and his grandfather.[18] Harris is married to wife Ally.[11]
