Kansas City Royals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski took a moment to examine his surroundings at Kauffman Stadium on Monday.
It was new territory for him.
A lot has changed in the last two weeks. Yastrzemski, who began his career with the San Francisco Giants, was now in a new uniform, in a new city and playing alongside new teammates.
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Gone were the days of the San Francisco Bay backdrop at Oracle Park. And the brutal marine layer was no longer an issue at night. Instead, Yastrzemski was welcomed by the Midwest charm — and August humidity — that only Kansas City can provide.
Somehow, Yastrzemski felt right at home.
“It’s been great, honestly,” Yastrzemski said. “ Everyone’s been super nice and very willing to help out on any aspect. You know, we’re getting the Midwest love. It’s nice to be here and meet everybody and just kind of dive headfirst into what they’ve got going on. You know, I’m just trying to really embrace the team and blend right in.”
The Royals acquired Yastrzemski right at the MLB trade deadline. He was a last-second addition to bolster their underwhelming outfield. In the deal, the Royals sent pitching prospect Yunior Marte to the Giants.
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It was a move that has paid immediate dividends.
Yastrzemski homered in his first at-bat with the Royals against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Later, he moved into the leadoff spot to provide consistent at-bats in front of superstar teammate Bobby Witt Jr.
Kansas City Royals right fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) with third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Rogers Centre on Aug. 1, 2025.
Since the trade, Yastrzemski has recorded two home runs, five RBIs and a .754 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 10 games.
“You know, I’ve been noticing I’m getting a few more pitches to hit,” Yastrzemski said. “But it’s the same mentality. It’s just do everything you can to have a good at-bat and win the at-bat. Get on base any way you can — whether it’s a walk, hit by pitch or reaching on an error — whatever it may be, applying some pressure and making those guys throw some pitches and trying to wear them down.”
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The Royals value Yastrzemski in multiple roles. He can work in a natural platoon with fellow veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk. It’s beneficial for both players as Yastrzemski is a better hitter against right-handed pitchers. In his career, Yastrzemski is hitting .244 with 97 homers and 283 RBIs against righties. Meanwhile, Grichuk is better against left-handers with a .270 batting average and an .826 OPS across 12 seasons.
On Tuesday night, Grichuk was in the lineup and batting fifth against Washington Nationals left-handed starter Mitchell Parker. Yastrzemski was available off the bench as a pinch hitter.
The Royals expect to operate with that alignment down the stretch. It gives Yastrzemski an opportunity to play and be another reserve offensive option.
“I think the quality of the at-bats are really good,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “I think we see a big difference with the three guys that we acquired over the last three or four weeks. The quality of at-bats are better, and the other pitchers are having to work harder. Our opponents are having to work harder and we are putting pressure on the pitching staff.”
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Yastrzemski is also another veteran presence. The Royals were prudent in acquiring veterans who can help guide the younger players. It was the calling card of the 2024 playoff roster last season with the likes of Will Smith, Chris Stratton and others.
The Royals had veteran voices in Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Carlos Estévez (who are all still on the club) within the pitching ranks. However, they missed not having Adam Frazier around during the first half of the season.
Frazier is back in the fold alongside Yastrzemski and Grichuk as veteran leaders alongside team captain Salvador Perez. And now, the Royals believe they have a more complete team to help navigate another postseason push.
Kansas City Royals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) reacts after hitting a double against the Boston Red Sox in the fourth inning at Fenway Park on Aug. 4, 2025.
“I don’t think going into the year, we didn’t feel like we lacked leadership,” Picollo said. “We had guys that had great experiences last year and you want them to step up and become those leaders. It’s hard to predict when they are ready for that role or not. But it became pretty apparent six or seven weeks into the season that we probably need another veteran in this clubhouse.”
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Yastrzemski has already made an impact in the Royals clubhouse. Multiple players have come to him for advice and to just talk baseball. He has a unique perspective as he spent a lot of years in the minors before getting his chance in the majors.
Additionally, Yastrzemski has been around baseball his entire life. His grandfather, Carl, is a National Baseball Hall of Famer and Boston Red Sox legend.
“He’s easy to talk to and he’s got a great personality,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Mike. “They guys gravitate towards him, and he has a ton of knowledge about baseball and he likes to talk about it. That’s refreshing, and I think the guys have enjoyed that. And he has stepped right in and produced and put up really good at-bats which is helpful for him to feel comfortable as well as not trying to do too much.”
Yastrzemski will be a key piece as the Royals attempt to secure a playoff spot. The Royals started Tuesday’s game four games behind the New York Yankees for the third and final American League Wild Card position.
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KC just began a pivotal 10-game homestand with a 7-4 win on Monday night. Yastrzemski knows each win is important and looks forward to the remainder of the season.
“It’s all about execution,” Yastrzemski said. “Because all of those little small things, as you get to these meaningful games in September, they all mean a lot more than they did in April.”