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 for the San Francisco Giants. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013, he made his MLB debut with the Giants in 2019. Notably, he is the grandson of Hall of Famer and Triple Crown winner Carl Yastrzemski. He played college baseball at Vanderbilt before turning pro.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox

In 2009, Mike Yastrzemski was selected in the 36th round of the MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox, but he did not sign and instead chose to attend Vanderbilt University.

2010: Played for the Cotuit Kettleers

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

2011: Played for the Cotuit Kettleers

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

2012: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners

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

2013: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles

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

2013: Signed with the Aberdeen IronBirds

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

2014: Played for the Delmarva Shorebirds

In 2014, Mike Yastrzemski played for the Delmarva Shorebirds, leading the league with 10 triples, and was later promoted to the Frederick Keys and then the Bowie Baysox.

2015: Played with Bowie Baysox

In 2015, Mike Yastrzemski spent the season with the Bowie Baysox, batting .246 with six home runs and 59 RBIs.

2016: Played with Bowie and Norfolk

In 2016, Mike Yastrzemski played with both the Bowie Baysox and the Norfolk Tides, posting a combined .234 batting average with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs.

2017: Played with Tides and Baysox

In 2017, Mike Yastrzemski spent most of the season with the Norfolk Tides, with a few weeks in June and July playing with the Bowie Baysox.

2018: Returned to Norfolk Tides

In 2018, Mike Yastrzemski returned to play for the Norfolk Tides.

March 22, 2019: Traded to the San Francisco Giants

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

May 25, 2019: MLB Debut

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

2019: Played 107 Games for Giants

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

2019: MLB Debut with the Giants

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

2019: Invited to Orioles Spring Training

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

September 9, 2020: Hit 30th Career Home Run

On September 9, 2020, Mike Yastrzemski hit his 30th career home run in his 151st game, joining Bobby Thomson and Dave Kingman as the only other Giants to reach 30 home runs so quickly in their careers.

June 15, 2021: First Career Grand Slam

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

2021: Regular Season Performance

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

2022: Agreed to a $3.7 million salary

In 2022, Mike Yastrzemski agreed to a $3.7 million salary. He batted .214 with 17 home runs, and 57 RBIs, and played multiple positions.

2023: Agreed to a $6.1 million contract for 2023 season.

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

2024: Agreed to $7.9 Million Salary

In 2024, Mike Yastrzemski and the Giants agreed to a $7.9 million salary.

2024: Hit 100th Career Home Run

On September 1, 2024, Mike Yastrzemski hit his 100th career home run against the Miami Marlins, joining his grandfather as part of the fourth grandfather-grandson duo in Major League history to each hit at least 100 career home runs.