Braves Boost Their Outfield Depth with Mike Yastrzemski Signing
So the big news right now is that the Atlanta Braves have officially added veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski on a two-year, $23 million deal, and it’s already being talked about as one of those quietly smart moves that could pay off in a big way. The contract will give him $9 million in 2026 and $10 million in 2027, and there’s also a club option for 2028 worth $7 million with a $4 million buyout. To make space, the Braves designated Michael Siani for assignment — a pretty clear sign that they see Yastrzemski as an immediate contributor.
What makes this signing interesting is the versatility he brings. Yastrzemski can play all three outfield spots, which gives manager Walt Weiss the freedom to give his regular outfielders — Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Jurickson Profar — a breather without hurting the defense. In fact, because Yastrzemski grades out better defensively than Profar, he’s likely to see most of his time in left field when he’s not rotating through other spots.
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The real value here is in the matchups. Yastrzemski has always hit right-handed pitching well, posting an .809 OPS last season in those situations. And the Braves already have Mauricio Dubón, who complements him by hitting better against lefties. That combination gives Atlanta the kind of lineup flexibility they didn’t always have last year. It basically lets Weiss mix and match based on who’s on the mound without sacrificing production.
Now, when you look at Yastrzemski’s 2025 season, it was almost like two different chapters. Before the trade deadline, he struggled with the Giants, hitting just eight homers and posting his lowest slugging percentage since reaching the majors. But once he moved to Kansas City, everything flipped. In only 50 games with the Royals, he notched 14 doubles and nine home runs, pushing his slugging up from .355 to .500. It was one of those second-half turnarounds that showed he still has pop left in his bat.
And defensively, you’re getting a guy with a real track record. He’s been a Gold Glove finalist twice and spent years learning how to survive the unique challenge of right field in San Francisco — a place that humbles a lot of outfielders. He even finished 2025 with 11 outfield assists, tied for third-most in the league. That kind of arm strength and awareness doesn’t fade easily, even as a player hits his mid-30s.
What Atlanta gets here isn’t just a fourth outfielder — it’s someone who can legitimately play every day in different roles, strengthen the bench, and give the team a solid bat against righties. For a club that values lineup flexibility and depth, Yastrzemski fits perfectly into how the Braves build their roster.
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