Breaking: Mike Yastrzemski’s heartfelt goodbye have Giants fans tearing up

Mike Yastrzemski’s journey into pro baseball came with a unique backdrop — drafted in the 14th round and carrying the legacy of his grandfather, Hall of Famer and Triple Crown winner Carl Yastrzemski. With a name like his, expectations were inevitable, but he carved out his own path with the San Francisco Giants.

Though the 34-year-old outfielder hasn’t become a star over his seven MLB seasons, he built a strong connection with the Bay Area.

 

 

That bond remains important to him, even as he moves on to a new team. With the Giants struggling — dropping 12 of their last 14 games — and shifting into seller mode at the trade deadline, they sent Yastrzemski, a pending free agent, to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for 21-year-old pitcher Yunior Marte.

While some fans might have resisted the idea of parting with a former All-Star closer still under team control, the logic behind dealing Yastrzemski’s expiring contract is easier to grasp.

 

 

Still, the franchise and its supporters will remember the impact the Andover, Massachusetts native made — not just for his famous last name, but for his relentless effort and loyalty. That was evident again on Wednesday, when he made a spectacular catch over the wall in foul territory, a fitting snapshot of his dedication. And after Thursday’s trade, he’s continuing to show his pride in being a Giant.

Mike Yastrzemski says farewell to Giants

“Thank you, San Francisco,” Mike Yastrzemski wrote on Instagram, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic. “It’s hard to fully express how much this city, team, and its fans have meant to me and my family. San Francisco gave me something truly special — an opportunity. A chance to prove myself and to grow.”

“For the last seven years, I’ve had the privilege of calling Oracle Park home. I’ve shared unforgettable moments with teammates who’ve become like brothers. The Giants gave me more than a uniform — they gave me and my family a sense of belonging.”

Yastrzemski leaves the Giants after hitting .238 with 114 home runs, 346 RBIs, 148 doubles, and 23 triples over 790 games. He earned an eighth-place finish in NL MVP voting during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and posted 17 or more homers in four different years.

Now a member of the Royals, Yastrzemski dealt with some inconsistency at the plate but remained a reliable defender and well-respected teammate throughout his San Francisco tenure.

Giants fans will hopefully welcome him warmly if he returns to the Bay. Goodbyes are tough, but sometimes necessary — especially when a reset is needed to move forward.

Giants, Yastrzemski move toward new beginnings

This team brought in Rafael Devers in June and was still in the Wild Card race just a week ago — but things changed quickly.

 

 

After being swept in six straight home games by the Mets and Pirates, a depleted San Francisco roster now looks to regroup in Flushing. Mike Yastrzemski likely hoped for a better ending to his Giants tenure, but he’ll always hold a deep appreciation for the place where he made his MLB debut.

“As I turn the page to what’s next, the memories I made in black and orange will always stay with me,” Yastrzemski said. “San Francisco will always be a part of me — in my heart, in how I play, and in everything that comes after.”