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 after playing college baseball for 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 Boston Red Sox

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

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 drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 30th round of the MLB draft, but he chose not to sign and returned to Vanderbilt for his senior year.

2013: Drafted by 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 began his professional career with the Aberdeen IronBirds.

2014: Led the South Atlantic League with 10 Triples

In 2014, Mike Yastrzemski began the season with the Delmarva Shorebirds, where he led the South Atlantic League with 10 triples and was later promoted to the Frederick Keys and then to 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 Baysox and Norfolk Tides

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

2017: Played with the Tides and Baysox

During the 2017 season, Mike Yastrzemski played 81 games with the Norfolk Tides between May and September, with several weeks spent with the Bowie Baysox in June and July.

2018: Returned to Norfolk Tides

In 2018, Mike Yastrzemski returned to the Norfolk Tides. He was an MiLB Orioles organization All Star.

March 22, 2019: Traded to 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 and was assigned to the Sacramento River Cats.

May 25, 2019: MLB Debut with Giants

On May 25, 2019, Mike Yastrzemski was promoted to the Major Leagues and made his debut with the San Francisco Giants, going 0-for-3.

2019: Played 107 games for the Giants

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

2019: MLB Debut with Giants

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

2019: Invited to Orioles Spring Training

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

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 Giants to reach this milestone so quickly.

June 15, 2021: Hit first career grand slam

On June 15, 2021, Mike Yastrzemski hit his first career grand slam, a go-ahead home run off Humberto Castellanos, in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park.

2021: 2021 Regular Season Performance

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

2022: Salary Arbitration and Performance

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