Royals' Mike Yastrzemski swiftly delivers a home run following the team's trade transaction against KC
Mike Yastrzemski Joins Royals, Brings Veteran Presence to Reshaped Lineup
Mike Yastrzemski, a veteran outfielder with a proven track record, has joined the Kansas City Royals. The 31-year-old was acquired from the San Francisco Giants on Friday in a trade that also saw the Royals acquire pitcher Bailey Falter from the Pittsburgh Pirates and rookie pitcher Ryan Bergert from the San Diego Padres.
Yastrzemski made his Royals debut wearing No. 18, as George Brett's No. 5 is retired in Kansas City. In his first plate appearance with the Royals, he launched a two-run homer, giving the team an early 2-1 lead against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Throughout his seven seasons with the Giants, Yastrzemski compiled a .238 batting average with 114 home runs, 346 RBIs, and 616 hits. His best year was in the shortened 2020 season, where he hit .297 with 10 home runs and led the team in RBIs with 35, earning All-MLB second team honors and finishing 8th in NL MVP voting. Yastrzemski was also known for his strong defensive metrics in right field, leading the National League in range factor per 9 innings multiple years.
Before the deal, Yastrzemski had slashed .231/.330/.355 with eight home runs, 28 RBIs, and six stolen bases for the Giants. Regarding his performance since joining the Royals, there is limited specific statistical data available. However, Yastrzemski has made it clear that he's here to contribute.
Manager Matt Quatraro noted that while Yastrzemski, a left-handed hitter, will see regular starts against right-handed pitching, he and Grichuk are not in a strict platoon system. The addition of Yastrzemski, along with Randal Grichuk and Adam Frazier, reshapes the Royals lineup.
In the field, Fermin, who made 51 starts as a catcher for the Royals this season, was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek. Luke Maile steps in as Perez's primary backup as the Royals manage Perez's workload during a grueling August stretch.
Yastrzemski's home run on Friday marked his ninth of the season, a 370-foot shot to right-center off Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman. Yastrzemski learned of the trade during a golf outing in New York the previous day.
With the addition of Yastrzemski, the Royals rotation is expected to see the arrival of Bailey Falter and Ryan Bergert next week. The team is looking forward to the contributions these acquisitions will bring as they continue their season.
Amidst the trades in the MLB, the Royals have acquired veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the San Francisco Giants, adding him to a reshaped lineup. Baseball fans have been abuzz with rumors about Yastrzemski's potential contributions to the team, especially following his impressive two-run homer in his debut game for Kansas City.
