A difficult decision awaits the Braves.
The Atlanta Braves' signing of outfielder Mike Yastrzemski this past offseason was overlooked for the most part. Sure, some people around the MLB world praised it as a respectable move, but it certainly was not a primary talking point. However, Yastrzemski has been one of the best hitters in 2026 spring training.
Through eight games played, the left-handed slugger is slashing .474/.565/1.158 to go along with a 1.723 OPS. Yastrzemski is also tied for the team lead with four home runs. His nine total hits is the best mark on the Braves' spring training squad.
So, what's the problem? Yastrzemski is playing well. Isn't that the full story?
Well, there is more to the conversation. Yastrzemski was seemingly a potential platoon candidate in Atlanta. A right-handed hitter such as Eli White could possibly platoon with him. Given what Yastrzemski is accomplishing this spring, though, one has to wonder if he will be the everyday starting left fielder in Atlanta.
Of course, Ronald Acuna Jr. is in right field and Michael Harris II is in center field. An outfield of Acuna, Harris and Yastrzemski could be impressive, especially if Yastrzemski performs like he is during spring training.
Will Mike Yastrzemski Start Every Day With Braves in 2026?
In all reality, there is a chance that Yastrzemski would have started on a consistent basis even if he was not tearing the cover off the baseball in spring training. There are not many especially reliable options who can platoon with him on the roster. His stellar performance this spring will only fuel the idea that he could be an everyday guy once again.
Yastrzemski, 35, was once an everyday corner outfielder with the San Francisco Giants. He had a number of impressive seasons in San Francisco. In fact, he even finished eighth in National League MVP voting in 2020.
While he may not be that same player these days, Yastrzemski is proving that he still has some gas left in the tank this spring. Yastrzemski will obviously not maintain his current spring training pace during the regular season, but it would not be surprising to see him end up having a respectable campaign in Atlanta with the Braves.
So, will Mike Yastrzemski land an everyday starting role in left field, or will the Braves decide to platoon him with a right-handed hitter? Only time will tell, but Atlanta should strongly consider giving him the everyday job. The team can always adjust if he ends up struggling.