When the lineup was posted for the Atlanta Braves first spring training game, it was easy to be underwhelmed. Aside from free agent addition Mike Yastrzemski, the rest of the lineup consisted of bench bats or organization fillers.
However, the bats exploded for five runs against the Tampa Bay Rays, thanks largely to offseason additions, while a few under-the-radar pitching signings held down the fort on the mound.
Meet Yaz 👋 pic.twitter.com/ptTn8VqYP7
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 21, 2026
Braves' offseason signings Mike Yastrzemski and Ben Gamel shine in first spring training game
The Braves wasted no time in scoring, with Yastrzemski hitting a no-doubt homer to dead center on the fifth pitch of the game. One inning later, non-roster invitee and nine year MLB veteran outfielder Ben Gamel crushed a solo shot of his own.
In the third, Yastrzemski hit a liner into center with one out, and Eli White followed with a single of his own. After Jonah Heim struck out for the second out of the inning, Gamel once again came through with a two-run double to make it 4-0. A pitch later, last minute spring training addition Kyle Farmer, single him home to make it 5-0.
Yastrzemski walked in his final plate appearance, ending his first Braves appearance with a 1.000 OBP. Even though he signed a multi-year deal with the Braves, it's arguable that his signing went under the radar, and that this could be a sign his bat might be a bigger factor in 2026 than some expect.
Gamel, not to be outdone by Yastzemski, also ended his day with a base on balls. Kyle Farmer, however, wasn't able to keep his perfect day in tact, striking out in his final at bat.
On the mound, Carlos Carrasco, who the Braves re-signed to a minor league deal this offseason, pitched two scoreless innings while striking out three batters. James Karinchak came in to pitch the fifth inning and struck out two batters in a scoreless inning. The Rays lone run came against former Marlins starter Elieser Hernandez in the sixth inning.
It's refreshing to see the offseason additions make such a solid first impression on day one, even if Yastrzemski might be the only contributor from today on the Opening Day roster. In recent seasons, the Braves have proved just how valuable having depth (or not having depth can be), and guys like Gamel and Farmer could be those sneaky good additions when it comes to it.