Veteran SF Giants outfielder likely entering his final year with the team

As the SF Giants embark upon the 2025 season in a couple of months it is worth thinking about which players may be entering their final season in San Francisco. One such player may very well be veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.

Yastrzemski has been a Giant since 2019 and has been a remarkably consistent player during his tenure with the Giants. His WAR has been between 2.0 and 3.0 his entire career and his offensive profile has remained remarkably consistent as well as a guy with power who is not really going to hit for average.

In 2024 he slashed .231/.302/.437 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI in 140 games played. He also was a solid defender for the team, earning a Gold Glove nomination for his defense in right field.

2025 may be Mike Yastrzemski's last year with SF Giants

Yastrzemski can be a bit divisive amongst Giants fans because one cannot question his character or how hard he plays the game, but his status as a slightly above average player can drive some fans crazy who think relying on players who are a little better than mediocre is what is holding the Giants back.

The Giants decided to avoid arbitration and brought back Yastrzemski on a one-year contract with the Giants for $9.25 million. Even if one thinks Yastrzemski is average, that is still a really good deal for the value that Yastrzemski provides. Keep in mind that Michael Conforto signed a $17 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Something tells me that Conforto is not nearly twice as valuable as Yastrzemski.

However, after this season Yastrzemski is going to be an unrestricted free agent. This means the Giants will no longer have team control over him and will not be able to go through arbitration.

Depending on how this season goes for San Francisco, Yastrzemski could end up being a trade candidate for the team. If Luis Matos ends up having the same kind of breakout season Heliot Ramos had in 2024, the Giants may decide to trade Yastrzemski to a team in need of a left-handed outfielder who can hit the ball out of the ballpark.

Even if Yastrzemski remains a Giant through the end of the 2025 season, it would not be a huge shock if he departed in free agency. A reunion could be in order, but San Francisco may make a push for an upgrade in the outfield like Kyle Tucker who will be a free agent following the season.

Yastrzemski has endeared himself to Giants fans with how he plays the game, but it seems like the veteran may very well be entering his final season in the orange and black.