Mike Yastrzemski now even more important for Atlanta Braves

Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski appeared to be a somewhat expensive luxury for the Atlanta Braves when he signed his two-year, $23 million contract.

The Braves outfield was seemingly set heading into 2026. Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar were expected to be the starters from right to left on most nights. If the Braves outfield remained healthy and productive, Yastrzemski would be a solid fourth outfielder.

Neither of those is a given. Acuna has appeared in only 144 games over the past two years. Harris has been unable to replicate his NL Rookie of the Year-winning performance from 2022. Profar missed 80 games in 2025 due to a PED suspension and, while solid, did not perform at the same level as he had in 2024.

Atlanta Braves will need Mike Yastrzemski to step up in their lineup

That presumed outfield alignment may not see one game together in 2026. Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after failing his second PED test over the past 12 months. While the Major League Baseball Player's Union is challenging the suspension, the Braves cannot count on having Profar in their lineup this season.

Yastrzemski is now slated for a much larger role as he will likely take over in left. He posted a solid .233/.333/.403 batting line in 558 plate appearances between the Giants and Royals in 2025, hitting 17 homers and 28 doubles. However, there are some reasons for concern. Half of his extra-base hits came in 186 plate appearances with the Royals. He has struggled against left-handed pitching, posting a .211/.286/.363 batting line with 20 homers and 27 doubles over 714 career plate appearances against lefties. The Braves will need to find a platoon partner for Yastrzemski, either in free agency or with an internal option such as Eli White.

The Braves may not have a choice but to give Yastrzemski the majority of the playing time in left. He has gone from an expensive fourth outfielder to becoming a vital part of the lineup.