The Atlanta Braves have signed free-agent outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23 million contract with an option for a third season, according to multiple reports.
The grandson of Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, Mike Yastrzemski has a career .238 average with 123 home runs and 364 RBIs over 840 games spanning seven seasons.
Yastrzemski, 35, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 14th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, but he had spent his entire major league career with the San Francisco Giants before he was traded to the Kansas City Royals at this year’s trade deadline for prospect Yunior Marte. Kansas City granted him free agency in early November.
Yastrzemski broke onto the scene with a .272 batting average and 21 homers in 107 games as a rookie in 2019. He finished eighth in National League MVP voting in the COVID-shortened 2020 season when he hit .297 with 10 home runs and 14 doubles.
Yastrzemski hasn’t surpassed the 20-homer milestone or hit better than .235 in the four seasons since hitting 25 homers in 2021. He hit .233 with 17 homers and 28 doubles last season between the Giants and Royals.
Yastrzemski has traditionally played right field, but that spot has been held of late by Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. It remains to be seen if Yastrzemski settles into left field or is more of a rotational fourth outfielder.
