The Atlanta Braves are trying their best to cook this offseason. After making a trade back in November and re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias, the Braves are back in the news for making another notable signing.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Atlanta Braves and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski are finalizing a two-year deal that is worth $23 million and includes a third-year club option.
This is a sneaky good signing for the Atlanta Braves, who are in need of some depth in the outfield and another outfield bat.
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Atlanta Braves Sign Mike Yastrzemski
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly signing former San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Yastrzemski was traded to the Royals from the Giants back in July.
In 50 games with Kansas City, the 25-year-old outfielder hit nine home runs and posted a .237 average. His total numbers in 2025 were 17 home runs, a .403 slugging percentage, and a 109 OPS+. Hitting in Truist Park might actually benefit Yastrzemski’s swing and power numbers.
As for the contract, 2026 will be a big determinant in how the deal works out. The Braves have all three of their outfield spots filled with Ronald Acuña Jr. in right, Michael Harris II in center, and Jurickson Profar in left.
This signing is really interesting in the sense of how the Braves plan to use Mike Yastrzemski. If Atlanta can not retain DH Marcell Ozuna, then the former Giants slugger might fit into that role. Yastryzesmski has 123 home runs and a career OPS+ of 113.
He is also notably the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.
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What is Mike Yastrzemski’s Role With the Braves
The role of Mike Yastrzemski will depend on how the new Braves manager and coaching staff decide to use him.
His age is a slight concern, but he’s remained pretty stable in terms of home runs and extra-base hits.
Atlanta will mark the third organization that he’s played for over what will be his eighth MLB season.
He was somewhat of a late bloomer in his MLB career, making his debut at age 28.
According to BaseballReference.com, Yastrzemski is projected to hit 18 home runs and drive in 53 runs in 2026.
A big part of his game is hitting balls in the air, which may help him with power production at Truist Park, but he also had some strong defensive seasons in San Francisco, and it’s unclear how the Braves will use him on defense.
If anything, this is a step in the right direction for the Braves, who will try to keep pace with their other NL East foes who continue to stay active this offseason.
