If you asked almost anyone, they would say that the Atlanta Braves' primary needs this offseason are shortstop and pitching. You can divide out the rotation and bullpen into their own categories if you prefer, but the Braves need arms of all kinds and the idea of Mauricio Dubon playing short everyday doesn't exactly get anyone excited.
Instead, as the Winter Meetings cleared out and the Braves having done very little in the public eye, the Braves went out and signed....an outfielder?
Yes, that is exactly what they did. On Wednesday evening, the pretty surprising news broke that the Braves agreed to a deal with Mike Yastrzemski worth $23 million over two years with a club option for a third year. That...is not what anyone expected Atlanta to be cooking, but there is some logic to the move.
Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a two-year, $23 million deal that includes a third-year club option, sources tell ESPN. First on the agreement was @ByRobertMurray.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2025
Braves shock pretty much everyone with Mike Yastrzemski in the wake of quiet Winter Meetings
While this move doesn't make much sense at first given that it all three of the Braves' outfield spots are occupied by Jurickson Profar, Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuña Jr. respectively. However, a closer look at how Yastrzemski could be used in Atlanta reveals at least some semblance of logic here.
In Yastrzemski, you get a lefty bat that gives you lineup options if you want to play matchups as his splits are good against righties. With Acuna Jr. potentially needing time out of the field to keep his knees fresh and both Profar and Harris II being wild cards somewhat heading into 2026, Yastrzemski protects against what torpedoed the Braves the last couple of years and that is injuries in the outfield. On top of that, Yastrzemski can draw some walks which could help Atlanta keep the lineup moving.
Of course, at $23 million, one does wonder if Yastrzemski is in line for more than just part-time plate appearances. If the Braves were planning on trading from their big league roster (perhaps Profar or Harris?) to address their other needs, going ahead and locking up someone that could replace them in the short-term like Yastrzemski has a lot of value even if that is some real tinfoil hat thinking.