Throughout the Anthopoulos era, the Atlanta Braves have found success in turning role players into key contributors on the roster. Every MLB team needs production from the “other guys,” and the Braves have done an excellent job of finding that production. While we hope more moves are on the table this winter, one of the lesser-praised offseason additions could prove to be Anthopoulos’ biggest win.
Every move Alex Anthopoulos makes is calculated, and the addition of outfielder Mike Yastrzemski is no different. Many were shocked that the Braves gave the 35 year-old Yastrzemski a two-year deal, but when you dig deeper into his swing profile you get an understanding to why Anthopoulos thinks the veteran can succeed in Atlanta.
Mike Yastrzemski mashes the first pitch he sees for a leadoff tank 🚀 pic.twitter.com/DDkDmLsGkQ
— MLB (@MLB) August 30, 2025
Mike Yastrzemski's high pull rate could be the ace up the Braves' sleeve
The dimensions of Truist Park has always favored left-handed hitters, and one of Yastrzemski's biggest strengths is his ability to pull the baseball in the air. Over the last two seasons combined, Yastrzemski led all of Major League Baseball in fly ball rate, and was sixth in pull rate. Last season Yastrzemski carried a 42.8% pull rate and 48.5% fly ball rate. For comparison, Michael Harris II had a 38.7% pull rate and 32.9% fly ball rate.
Yastrzemski has quietly been a very consistent, above-average big leaguer since his debut in 2019. However, if the Braves deploy him solely against right-handed pitching and he keeps peppering baseballs toward the Chophouse, 2026 could be one of Yastrzemski’s best seasons yet. Current Fangraphs Steamer projections have Yastrzemski posting a 102 wRC+ and 0.8 fWAR in 89 games.
These projections always air on the side of caution, but it really feels like Yastrzemski has a great chance to outperform these numbers so long as he maintains his high pull rate. Many are focused on bounce back seasons from Atlanta's stars, but getting production from Yastrzemski and a much improved Braves' bench could be the key to turning them back into contenders.