Mike Yastrzemski signing hints at SF Giants offseason strategy

The SF Giants decided to avoid arbitration with outfielder Mike Yastrzemski by tendering him a contract ahead of the deadline to do so. His one-year $9.25 million deal gives us a sense of the sort of offseason we are in for with the Giants.

This move shows that the Giants are not going to rock the boat too much this offseason. There are going to be a good number of familiar faces which will upset some fans but is justifiable based on the numbers.

Yastrzemski is not a perfect player, but he is a solid outfielder. He helps solidify their outfield next year, assuming they do not trade him. An outfield of Heliot Ramos in left field, Jung Hoo Lee in center field, and Mike Yastrzemski in right field does not sound too bad.

SF Giants signing Mike Yastrzemski reveals offseason strategy

Of course, there is a chance that the Giants could trade him. But getting rid of him would almost be admitting that the team does not plan to contend in 2025. Having him as your starting right fielder to begin 2025 at least maintains the veneer of competitiveness and the one-year deal makes it easy to trade him as a rental at the trade deadline if the team is struggling and out of playoff contention.

This signing signals that the Giants will try to do just enough this offseason to where you can see a path for them to snag a playoff spot in 2025, but not enough to where you would be excited at their chances.

For a team that seems likely to cut payroll in 2025, the Yastrzemski signing perfectly symbolizes the balancing act that they are going to try to carry out.

The simple fact is that he makes the Giants better in 2025. He is a well-liked veteran on the team who provides above-average defense in right field, has great instincts on the base paths, and can hit the ball out of the ballpark even if he is not going to hit for average. Guys like that do not just grow on trees so having him in 2025 is a good thing.

Fans who favor a wholesale rebuild or want the team to spend like crazy to try and compete will be disappointed by keeping Yastrzemski. But, for better or worse the Giants are going to pursue this Middle Path in 2025.