The Kansas City Royals are at a crossroads with their free agent outfielder, Mike Yasztremski. But is it a make-or-break decision? Let's dive into the debate.
Believe it or not, some professional baseball players are my age, 34. And Yasztremski, acquired by the Royals from the Giants mid-season, just finished his own 34-year-old campaign. While my athletic prowess has remained steady, the same can't be said for a pro athlete like Yaz.
The difference? I can afford a slight decline in my skiing abilities during my annual Rocky Mountain trip. Yaz, on the other hand, plays at the pinnacle of professional baseball, where a 2% dip in swing speed could mean a significant performance drop, as statistics would reveal.
As Yaz approaches his age-35 season, the question arises: should the Royals re-sign him? It's a tricky situation, especially for hitters, as players at this age often have limited potential.
Last season, only 17 hitters in their age-35 campaign managed over 150 plate appearances. Excluding future Hall of Famers, the remaining dozen batters had a median Wins Above Replacement of just 0.2. But Yaz's recent performance suggests he might defy these odds.
In 2025, Yaz excelled with a 13% walk rate and an above-average isolated power of .170, all while providing solid corner outfield defense. The Royals' interest in re-signing him is understandable, given their need for outfielders and Yaz's superior skills compared to their current roster.
However, age is a double-edged sword. Players in their mid-30s often experience sudden performance declines, as seen with former star hitter Paul Goldschmidt last year. Yaz's slightly declining ISO and struggles against left-handed pitchers hint at a potential performance cliff.
While Yaz remains a valuable platoon bat, signing him as a full-time starter might be a risky move. His athleticism is undeniable, but he's up against the most talented young players in the world. The Royals must decide whether to re-sign Yaz, considering his age and the competition. But is it a risk worth taking? That's the million-dollar question, and one that invites passionate opinions from fans and experts alike.
