The Atlanta Braves made a significant move to upgrade their roster by signing veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Numerous league sources confirm the player has agreed to a two-year contract. This deal is valued at a guaranteed $23 million. The contract also includes a team-friendly club option for the 2028 season. Exercising the option could raise the total value to $26 million over three years.
Yastrzemski, the 35-year-old grandson of legendary Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, provides immediate experience and a critical left-handed bat. This is especially valuable in Atlanta’s predominantly right-handed lineup. Yastrzemski spent the majority of his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants. He was then traded to the Kansas City Royals last season, where he finished the year.
During the previous campaign, the outfielder played 146 total games. He maintained a .233 batting average. He also delivered a solid 17 home runs and drove in 46 runs. His versatility in the outfield is a major asset for the Braves. He can capably handle all three positions. This defensive flexibility will be essential for managing the long 162-game schedule.
The contract specifies he will earn $9 million in 2026 and $10 million in 2027. The club option for 2028 is set at $7 million. It carries a $4 million buyout. This structure ensures the Braves retain control of his services through his age-37 season with reduced financial commitment risk.
Atlanta finished the most recent season with a disappointing 76-86 record. This result fell far short of their preseason expectations as a World Series contender. The Yastrzemski signing is a clear signal that the front office intends to aggressively address the team’s deficiencies. They want to return to winning form quickly. Prior to this move, the Braves had been relatively quiet during the free-agent period. This makes the addition one of their most impactful personnel decisions this offseason.
Yastrzemski projects as the primary fourth outfielder for the club. He is expected to take significant repetitions at the designated hitter position. This role will primarily occur against right-handed opposing pitching. Before the move, Atlanta was relying on speed-first options as bench outfielders. Yastrzemski provides a much more viable and consistent offensive contributor.
His late-season performance after being traded to the Royals demonstrated renewed effectiveness. He quickly became a crucial contributor to Kansas City’s offense. The Braves hope to capture that strong production immediately. His career-best stretch came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He hit nearly .300 and finished eighth in the National League MVP voting.
The acquisition addresses a vital need for bench strength and versatility. To finalize the deal, the Braves designated Michael Siani for assignment. He ensures the team maintains both offensive quality and defensive depth throughout the roster. This is a smart, calculated move by General Manager Alex Anthopoulos. The signing positions the Braves well for the challenges of a competitive new season. The club secures proven talent at a reasonable long-term cost.
