3 outside-the-box outfield trade targets the Pirates should pursue this offseason

Mike Yastrzemski

The grandson of Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame outfielder Carl Yastrzemski, Mike has established himself as a solid player with the San Francisco Giants over six seasons. But with the Giants looking to cut payroll and Yastrzemski in his final year of control, he makes a perfect trade candidate for the Bucs.

Yastrzemski turned in a .231/.302/.437 triple-slash, amounting to a .319 wOBA and 106 wRC+. He hit for a decent amount of pop, going yard 18 times across 474 plate appearances. Yastrzemski’s 8% walk rate was about league average, but represented the lowest BB% he’s put up since his 2019 rookie season. His 26.2% strikeout rate was the worst of his career, however.

Yastrzemski only had a .304 xwOBA, but he also posted a career-best 90.4 MPH exit velocity. His 10.5% barrel rate in 2024 was similar to where he stands for his career (10.4%). Both were at the 70th percentile or greater. As a defender, Yastrzemski received mixed reviews for his glovework in the outfield.

Yastrzemski has always graded out positively in the eyes of defensive runs saved. He racked up +4 last year, and now has +32 for his career. Outs above average, however, was not so bullish, clocking in at -2 and +4 for his career. Still, the veteran outfielder ran average routes and covered ground at an above-average rate during his jump. Yastrzemski’s arm is also good enough to play in the outfield corners, as he was in the 66th percentile of arm strength league-wide.

Yastrzemski is older, as 2025 will be his age-34 campaign. He is the priciest trade target on today’s list, as he recently signed a $9.25 million deal in order to avoid arbitration. However, this is his final year of control, and he will become a free agent after the season. Still, Yastrzemski has been an above-average batter in five of six seasons by measure of wRC+. He’s a consistent threat with the bat and would improve the Pirates’ right-field situation.