When the Braves signed outfielder Mike Yastrzemski in the offseason, they'd planned on using him in a platoon role. Jurickson Profar being suspended a second time for PEDs threw a major wrench into those plans.
Yaz took more of an everyday role and, similarly to Dom Smith, started hot. Unfortunately, that has faded over the last couple of months. Atlanta now has to consider a way to help fix their mistake. Getting rid of both of them doesn't make a lot of sense, as having a lefty bat off the bench is valuable. However, there's a case for letting one of the two go and giving a talented Braves prospect a shot.
Smith seems like the most obvious choice to let go of since he's strictly a designated hitter. Yaz at least plays good defense in the outfield, which is a valuable asset to have. However, should the Braves consider this option, prospect Patrick Clohisy should get an opportunity with the big league club. Clohisy is putting on a show with Triple-A Gwinnett right now.
Braves should definitely consider giving Patrick Clohisy a shot if they move on from Mike Yastrzemski (or any other outfielder for that matter)
Over 23 games, he has a .397 average, eight doubles, three homers, 12 RBI, and a 1.113 OPS. Clohisy started the season with Double-A Columbus and did pretty well with a .261 average, 19 doubles, seven homers, 35 RBI, and a .787 OPS.
The lefty is good at making contact and clearly has enough slug to blast home runs. However, his value comes from his great defense and outstanding speed on the bases. This is a huge advantage over both Yaz and Smith.
CONFIRMED: PATRICK CLOHISY IS HIM. pic.twitter.com/pwFIL2sTtd
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) July 29, 2026
Clohisy is an aggressive baserunner, and that could be a game-changer. Atlanta is tied with the Angels for the 24th-fewest stolen bases in baseball at 57 of them. With some of the speed the Braves have, it's bizarre they haven't attempted to swipe more bags.
Clohisy could help change that. He has 50 stolen bases on the season (37 in Double-A and 13 in Triple-A) and has only been caught stealing 13 times. That is something the team desperately needs. That way they don't have to rely on the home run so often to produce runs.
Clohisy could relegate Yaz back to the bench or perhaps as a designated hitter option. Yaz has struggled this season with a .230 average so far. However, he has been hitting a little better over his last seven games with a .294 average and .708 slugging percentage. However, his overall underperformance should encourage the Braves to consider giving Clohisy a shot. If not this season, then perhaps he has a role available in 2027.
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