Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Yastrzemski

How Mike Yastrzemski built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mike Yastrzemski, nicknamed "Yaz", is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Atlanta Braves. He previously played for the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013 after playing college baseball at Vanderbilt, he made his MLB debut with the Giants in 2019. Notably, he is the grandson of Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox, did not sign

In 2009, Yastrzemski was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 36th round of the MLB draft but chose not to sign, instead enrolling at Vanderbilt University.

2010: Plays collegiate summer baseball

In 2010, Yastrzemski played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Plays collegiate summer baseball

In 2011, Yastrzemski continued playing collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2012: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners, did not sign

In 2012, after his junior year, Yastrzemski was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 30th round of the MLB draft but chose not to sign, returning to Vanderbilt for his senior year.

2013: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles

In 2013, Yastrzemski was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 14th round of the MLB draft.

2013: Professional debut with Aberdeen IronBirds

In 2013, after being drafted and signing with the Baltimore Orioles, Yastrzemski began his professional career with the Aberdeen IronBirds.

2014: Success in the South Atlantic League and promotions

In 2014, Yastrzemski began the season with the Delmarva Shorebirds and led the league in triples. He was an SAL mid-season All-Star. After the all-star game, Yastrzemski was promoted to the Frederick Keys and then to the Bowie Baysox.

2015: Eastern League All-Star

In 2015, Yastrzemski played with Bowie and was named an Eastern League All-Star.

2016: Plays for Bowie and Norfolk

In 2016, Yastrzemski played for both Bowie and the Norfolk Tides, posting a combined .234 batting average with 13 home runs.

2017: Plays for Tides and Baysox

In 2017, Yastrzemski spent most of the season with the Norfolk Tides, with a few weeks playing for the Baysox.

2018: Returns to Norfolk

In 2018, Yastrzemski returned to the Norfolk Tides.

March 22, 2019: Traded to the San Francisco Giants

On March 22, 2019, Yastrzemski was traded by the Orioles to the San Francisco Giants for minor league pitcher Tyler Herb. He was assigned to the Sacramento River Cats.

May 25, 2019: MLB Debut with the Giants

On May 25, 2019, Yastrzemski was promoted to the Major Leagues by the Giants and made his debut the same day against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2019: Strong performance in first MLB season

During the 2019 season, Yastrzemski played in 107 games for the Giants, batting .272 with 21 home runs and 55 RBIs.

2019: MLB Debut with the Giants

In 2019, Yastrzemski made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Francisco Giants.

2019: Spring training invitation

In 2019, Yastrzemski was invited to spring training as a non-roster player for the Orioles.

September 9, 2020: 30th career home run

On September 9, 2020, Yastrzemski hit his 30th career home run in his 151st game.

2020: Successful 2020 Season

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Yastrzemski batted .297 with 10 home runs and led the team in RBIs with 35. He led the NL in triples and range factor.

June 15, 2021: First career grand slam

On June 15, 2021, Yastrzemski hit his first career grand slam in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park.

2021: 2021 Regular Season Performance

During the 2021 regular season, Yastrzemski batted .224 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs. He led the National League in range factor per 9 innings as a right fielder for the second consecutive season.

2022: Agrees to Salary and Season Performance

In 2022, Yastrzemski and the Giants agreed to a $3.7 million salary. He batted .214 with 17 home runs and 57 RBIs.

2023: Signs contract for the 2023 season

In November, Yastrzemski and the Giants agreed on a one-year, $6.1 million contract for the 2023 season.

September 1, 2024: 100th career home run

On September 1, 2024, Yastrzemski hit his 100th career home run, joining his grandfather as one of the few grandfather-grandson duos to achieve this milestone.

2024: Agrees to salary for the 2024 season

Yastrzemski and the Giants agreed to a $7.9 million salary for the 2024 season.

July 31, 2025: Traded to the Kansas City Royals

On July 31, 2025, Yastrzemski was traded by the Giants to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Yunior Marte. He played 50 games for the Royals, batting .237 with nine home runs.

December 10, 2025: Signed with the Atlanta Braves

On December 10, 2025, Yastrzemski signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Braves worth up to $23 million.

2025: Signs contract for 2025 season

Yastrzemski signed a contract with the Giants for 2025 valued at $9.25 million, avoiding salary arbitration. During the season, he batted .231 with eight home runs and 28 RBI in 96 games for the Giants.