The Yankees announced today that outfielder Eric Young Jr. has elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment from the team. He evidently cleared waivers upon being removed from the 40-man roster.
It’s not at all surprising to hear that New York has parted ways with Young, who was acquired late in the year as a speed-and-defense option down the stretch (and in the event of a postseason appearance). With the Yanks already headed home for the winter, and facing a need to clear roster space this fall to protect players from the Rule 5 draft, Young was all but certain to lose his spot.
Young, 31, ended up taking just one plate appearance for the Yankees, though he did get into six games, swiped a bag, and scored two runs. He spent most of the year at Triple-A in the Brewers organization, batting .263/.338/.339 in 329 trips to the plate. Over his eight-year major league career, Young has compiled a .246/.314/.327 batting line with 145 stolen bases over 1,684 plate appearances.
My first trade in mlb the show is always for Eric Young jr.
Lol I always go for Rajai Davis
My first trade in MVP Baseball 2005 was always Rob Mackowiak.
The 40 man roster spot is way more valuable to the Yankees than Young, Jr. He may play fine in a video game but in reality, his future is yesterday.