In a strategic move to bolster their infield depth for the upcoming 2024 MLB season, the New York Mets have signed veteran utility player Jared Young to a one-year contract, according to sources close to the team. The signing comes as star first baseman Pete Alonso enters free agency, leaving a potential void in the Mets’ lineup and infield defense.
Young, 29, brings a diverse skill set and valuable experience to the Mets’ roster. A left-handed hitter, he has played every position in the minor leagues except catcher and center field, with all 12 of his major league starts coming at first base. While his major league numbers have been modest, with a .210 career batting average and two home runs in 69 plate appearances with the Chicago Cubs in 2022-2023, Young’s versatility and potential upside make him an intriguing addition for the Mets.
A Journey Through the Minor Leagues
Jared Young’s baseball journey has been one of perseverance and adaptability. Selected by the Cubs in the 15th round of the 2017 amateur draft out of Old Dominion University in Virginia, Young steadily worked his way up through the minor league ranks. He showcased his offensive potential in 2019, hitting .289 with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs across two levels of the Cubs’ farm system.
Despite his progress, Young found himself on waivers after the 2023 season, where he was claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals. He made the most of his opportunity with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Memphis, batting .285 with 11 home runs and a .917 OPS in 2024 before being released in July.
Undeterred, Young took his talents overseas, signing with the Doosan Bears in Korea. In 38 games with the Bears, he thrived, hitting .326 with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, and an impressive 1.080 OPS. This strong performance caught the attention of the Mets, who saw an opportunity to add a versatile and potentially impactful player to their roster.
Filling the Void Left by Alonso
The Mets’ signing of Jared Young takes on added significance given the uncertainty surrounding Pete Alonso’s future with the team. Alonso, a two-time All-Star and the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year, has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ lineup since his debut. However, with Alonso now a free agent, the Mets are faced with the possibility of losing one of their most potent offensive weapons.
While Young may not be expected to fully replicate Alonso’s production, his presence provides the Mets with a solid fallback option at first base and a versatile depth piece for their infield. Young’s left-handed bat could also help balance a lineup that has been predominantly right-handed in recent years.
Jared brings a lot to the table for us. He can play multiple positions, he’s got some pop from the left side, and he’s shown he can handle himself at the major league level. We think he’ll be a valuable addition to our team.
– A Mets front office source
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
For the Mets, signing Jared Young represents a low-risk, high-reward move. The one-year deal likely comes at a relatively low cost, giving the team financial flexibility to address other roster needs. At the same time, Young’s upside and versatility provide the Mets with a potential bargain if he can build upon his success in Korea and translate it to the major league level.
Moreover, Young’s ability to play multiple positions gives manager Buck Showalter options when it comes to constructing lineups and managing defensive substitutions. With the uncertainty of a long season and the potential for injuries, having a utility player like Young on the roster can be invaluable.
The Road Ahead for the Mets
As the Mets navigate the free agency landscape and prepare for the 2024 season, the signing of Jared Young represents just one piece of a larger puzzle. The team will undoubtedly look to make additional moves to strengthen their roster and position themselves as contenders in a competitive National League East.
However, the addition of Young should not be overlooked. His journey through the minor leagues and his success in Korea demonstrate a level of resilience and adaptability that could serve him well as he looks to carve out a role with the Mets. If he can seize this opportunity and make the most of his versatile skill set, Young could prove to be a valuable contributor to the team’s success in the coming season.
As spring training approaches and the Mets continue to shape their roster, fans will eagerly await the chance to see Jared Young in action, wearing the iconic blue and orange uniform. While he may not be a household name just yet, Young’s signing represents the kind of savvy, under-the-radar move that can pay dividends over the course of a long and grueling season.
For Jared Young, the opportunity to play for a storied franchise like the Mets represents the latest chapter in a baseball journey filled with twists and turns. Armed with a versatile skill set, a left-handed bat, and a determination to succeed, Young will look to make his mark in New York and prove that he belongs on the game’s biggest stage.
