The Mariners released outfielder Eric Young Jr. over the weekend, Tacoma Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto reports. Young had been with the Mariners’ Triple-A club in Tacoma after inking a minor league contract in late March.
The speedy Young entered 2019 having logged major league action in each season since he made his debut in 2009. But the 34-year-old never reached the bigs with the Mariners, instead struggling through a nightmarish stint in Tacoma. Young only managed a .236/.296/.362 line, good for a 57 wRC+, with two home runs and three stolen bases in 142 plate appearances before exiting the Rainiers’ roster. Historically, however, Young has been a solid contributor in Triple-A ball. He’s a .289/.371/.413 hitter with 29 HRs and 167 steals across 2,480 PA at that level.
Young has amassed just under 2,000 PA in the majors, where he has combined for 1,926 with the Rockies, Mets, Braves, Yankees and Angels. He has batted .245/.312/.332 with 13 homers and 162 steals in MLB.
When rosters expand to 40 in September, he will be on someone’s team. Good glove, fast base runner, just not a MLB hitter, but, he will be there.
I’ll be rooting for him…
Good idea but this year September expanded rosters are limited to 28 not 40.
Next year September rosters will be 28.
I just checked and it is 2020. You are correct sir. I was wrong about it.
Why the hell would they do that. That’s lame as hell.
Another way to force the trade market and doesn’t let it be made. That’s 12 less players to be evaluated to possibly be traded in the off season.
As I understand it lower salary clubs couldn’t afford and/or were too cheap about calling up 15 extra players. So big money clubs had an advantage in September if they were willing to buy it.
Fallback plan for a team looking for a pinch runner and missing Billy Hamilton?
i’ve always liked EY. hope to see him back soon.
he’s had a tough life outside of baseball yet is still positive. hope he finds something soon
Wouldn’t mind seeing my Halos pick him back up. He was good in his stints the last few seasons. He was a solid 4th outfielder who played all 3 positions if I remember correctly. It shouldn’t take long for some team to pick him up.