Bomber Bites With Jumping Joe–Chris Young Showing He Can Still Play

Chris Young spent most of this season getting booed for his poor play in Queens for the Mets. He hit .205 in 88 games for the Mets before being released in August.  The Yankees signed the 30-year-old outfielder, and brought him up to the majors when the rosters were expanded on September 1st.  It took a few days to crack the lineup, but Young has been swinging a hot bat lately.  Young is 8-for-12, with 2 home runs for the Yankees already.  His home run last night against the Rays was a walk-off, game-winner.

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

"“He’s been a good player in the past,” Girardi said. “Sometimes guys can just have tough years and adjustments can be difficult on guys. He’s been a productive player in the past.” (h/t Brenden Kuty, NJ.com)"

Young has indeed been a good player in the past, even an All-Star in 2010 when he batted .257 with 27 home runs and 91 RBI.  He has hit twenty or more home runs four times.  However, he is prone to long, extended slumps.  He suffered through a season-long slump in 2009 as his batting average dropped to .212 that season.

Mandatory Credit: Chad R. MacDonald.

Asking Young to be a regular, everyday outfielder is probably asking too much. However, his power potential makes him ideal as a role player off the bench. The Yankees would be wise to investigate signing Young as the fourth outfielder for next season.  Young is still young enough to think he may have a big year or two left in him. He is an above-average defender in the outfield as well. He can take over the role Ichiro Suzuki has played this season, but instead of a pure singles hitter who doesn’t drive in runs, the Yankees will have a former 30-home run guy who knows how to drive runners in.

Young probably still dreams of being an everyday player somewhere, but his overall value is currently very low. Young may be interested in a one-year deal to attempt to reestablish his reputation and value and then try free agent roulette again next year instead of this one.  The Yankees would be wise to jump on such an opportunity, and sign Young in an effort to upgrade their bench for the 2015 season.