The Braves’ outfield looked set for 2026. Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar were expected to be the starters from right to left most nights. If the Braves’ outfield remained healthy and productive, Yastrzemski would be a solid fourth outfielder.
Neither is a given. Acuna has only played in 144 games over the past two years. Harris has not been able to match his 2022 NL Rookie of the Year-winning performance. Profar missed 80 games in 2025 due to a PED suspension and, while solid, did not perform at the same level as in 2024.
The Atlanta Braves need Mike Yastrzemski to strengthen their lineup
This supposed outfield lineup may not produce a single game together in 2026. Profar is facing a 162-match ban after failing his second PED test in the past 12 months. While the Major League Baseball Player’s Union is challenge the suspensionthe Braves cannot count on having Profar in their lineup this season.
Yastrzemski is now slated for a much bigger role as he will likely take over on the left side. He posted a solid .233/.333/.403 batting line in 558 plate appearances between the Giants and Royals in 2025, hitting 17 home runs and 28 doubles. However, there are some reasons for concern. Half of his extra-base hits came in 186 at-bats with the Royals. He has struggled with left-handed pitching, posting a .211/.286/.363 batting line with 20 home runs and 27 doubles in 714 career at-bats against lefties. The Braves will need to find a platoon partner for Yastrzemski, either in free agency or with an internal option like Eli White.
The Braves may have no choice but to give Yastrzemski the bulk of the playing time at left tackle. He has gone from an expensive fourth outfielder to an essential part of the lineup.
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