Position: OF
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: B/R
Born: 07/08/1997
Drafted: 39th Round, 1182nd Overall, 2016 (Blue Jays)
How Acquired: Trade (from Blue Jays for Zach Thompson)
High School: Faith Baptist Christian Academy (Ludowici, GA)
Bonus: $200,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2023
Options Left: 3
Overview
Young is a speedy, switch-hitting outfielder with good defensive ability and a very strong arm. He’s also been a good base stealer in the minors. His bat has always been suspect and he’s generally struggled more as he’s moved up. Unlike a lot of switch hitters, he hasn’t had much of a platoon split. He’s played center and right in the minors, mostly the former. The Pirates acquired Young for Zach Thompson.
2016-20
Young put up good numbers at the plate in the low minors his first three years, in rookie and advanced rookie ball, and in low A. At that last level he hit 285/363/445, with a good walk and decent K rate. He stole 44 bases in 2018, although he got caught 13 times. In 2019, he struggled in high A, putting up just a .669 OPS. He didn’t play in 2020.
2021-23
Young showed some improvement in AA, with a .759 OPS, while missing about a month with an injury. He stole 20 bases and got caught just once. In 2022, he missed most of the first two months with a foot injury. Playing in AAA, he saw his hitting tail off again, for a .682 OPS. He again stole 20 bases in 21 tries, actually 21 of 22 counting a rehab stint in high A. During the offseason, the Pirates acquired Young from Toronto for Zach Thompson. Young divided his 2023 season between Altoona and Indianapolis. Despite maintaining solid walk and K rates, he didn’t hit much, putting up a .597 OPS in AA and .692 in AAA. He did steal 32 bases. Defensively, Young played mostly in center and had 11 outfield assists.
Young will be eligible for minor league free agency in the fall.
Stats
Transactions
June 11, 2016: Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 39th round, 1182nd overall pick; signed on July 15.
January 10, 2023: Traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Zach Thompson.