Mike Yastrzemski Landing Spots: 3 top fits for ex-Giants star after $9M contract ends with short Royals stint

Mike Yastrzemski’s 2025 season didn’t move in a straight line, but it finished with enough traction to keep him firmly in the free-agent mix. He opened the year slowly in San Francisco and was moved to Kansas City in July, a shift that genuinely helped him settle in again.

His at-bats got tighter, the swing looked looser and that late push served as a reminder that he can still hurt right-handed pitching when he’s right.

At 34, he’s probably not hunting a long contract. He’s looking for a spot where he plays consistently, helps younger hitters along and gets a fair runway to show what’s left.

With how he closed 2025 and what several clubs need this winter, three landing spots stand out.

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#1. Kansas City Royals

Kansas City saw the version of Yastrzemski that still plays in today’s game; disciplined, selective and capable of giving competitive at-bats every night.

After the trade, he blended into the Royals’ lineup quickly and brought a veteran steadiness that helped an offense built around young players.

The Royals also need corner-outfield production, and Yastrzemski fills that gap without blocking prospects or requiring long-term money.

Familiarity matters here: the staff knows his routines, he knows the environment and both sides saw enough promise to justify another run.

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#2. San Francisco Giants

A San Francisco return shouldn’t be ruled out. The Giants know exactly what Yastrzemski is; a reliable defender, a smart situational hitter, and a calming presence in a lineup that has leaned heavily on youth and platoons.

His approach at Oracle Park has always made sense: patient, gap-oriented, and comfortable working counts.

The Giants aren’t guaranteed to spend big on corner bats, so a short, modest deal for a player they trust is a realistic path.

For Yastrzemski, the comfort of returning to a place where he built his identity could matter just as much as the playing time.

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#3. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates need dependable offense and a veteran outfielder who can both play regularly and help guide a young roster. Yastrzemski checks every box.

Pittsburgh’s front office has leaned toward short-term veteran signings that bridge development gaps, and Yastrzemski fits that strategy cleanly.

He’d get steady at-bats, bring some lineup balance and give the Pirates a trusted glove in the corners.

More importantly, his game doesn’t rely on elite athleticism but it relies on intelligence, consistency and approach qualities that age well. For a club still shaping its identity, adding a steady, low-drama veteran like Yastrzemski makes complete sense.