Friday marked an emotional return to Oracle Park for former San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who took the field there as an opposing player for the first time in his MLB career.

Now a member of the Atlanta Braves, Yastrzemski returned to the ballpark where he established himself as one of the Giants’ most popular players. It was his first game at Oracle Park since being traded to the Kansas City Royals last year, ending a tenure in which he had spent his entire MLB career with San Francisco.

Before first pitch, the Giants recognized Yastrzemski’s contributions by showing a tribute video on the left field scoreboard that highlighted memorable moments from his years with the organization.

The homecoming allowed Yastrzemski to reconnect with former teammates, coaches, and staff members, but he also took time to discuss the player who has taken over his spot in right field, Jung Hoo Lee.

Yastrzemski explained that Lee’s current breakout season comes as no surprise because he always believed the talented outfielder had the ability to develop into this type of player.

Speaking with reporters, including NBC Sports Bay Area, he praised Lee for persevering through the challenges of the past two seasons and credited his relentless work ethic for the success he is now enjoying.

Yastrzemski added that he could not be happier to see Lee finally receiving the results that reflect the effort he has consistently put into improving.

“He’s really turning into the player that I knew he could be and that everyone knew he could be,” Yastrzemski said to reporters, including NBC Sports Bay Area.

“It’s really nice to see him have that success because I saw the ups and downs of the last couple of years, and he’s worked his tail off. He’s worked as hard as anyone, and it’s been impressive to see what he’s doing this year. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Lee arrived in San Francisco before the 2024 season as one of the most highly sought-after international free agents after starring in the KBO. The Giants signed him to a long-term contract with the expectation that he would become a cornerstone of the franchise.

His rookie campaign was cut short after just 37 games because of a left shoulder injury, limiting the impact he could make during his first season.

Lee returned healthy in 2025 and appeared in 150 games while hitting .266, but his defensive performance became an area of concern as San Francisco finished with one of the weakest defensive outfields in MLB.

Determined to improve that weakness, the Giants signed Harrison Bader during the offseason and installed the veteran as their everyday center fielder.

That move shifted Lee to right field, replacing Yastrzemski and requiring him to learn one of the most challenging defensive positions in baseball because of Oracle Park’s unique dimensions, an area where Yastrzemski had excelled throughout his time in San Francisco.

The Giants’ confidence in Lee has been rewarded this season. Through 77 games, he has posted a .316/.348/.454 slash line with five home runs and 31 RBIs, delivering the offensive production the organization envisioned when it signed him and helping justify the decision to make him an everyday player.

Beyond his production, Lee continues to impress with the qualities that have made him a respected teammate and an important part of the Giants’ future.

His commitment to preparation and constant improvement has earned praise from both coaches and fellow players, while his willingness to embrace new challenges has accelerated his development at the major league level.

Transitioning to a new country, league, and culture is rarely easy, yet Lee has consistently demonstrated resilience and professionalism throughout the process. His positive attitude, disciplined approach, and team-first mentality have helped him build strong relationships inside the clubhouse.

Lee also brings outstanding baseball instincts and a calm presence that allows him to stay focused regardless of the situation.

Those characteristics, combined with his desire to learn and improve, have positioned him to continue growing into one of the Giants’ foundational players. As his confidence continues to rise, the organization has every reason to believe his best seasons are still ahead.

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