New York Yankees re-sign Chris Young

Having found the right borough in New York to have success, outfielder Chris Young and the New York Yankees have a agreed to a one year contract worth $2.5 million, with incentives that could make the contract worth $5 million. Sweeny Murti of WFAN reported the signing first, with Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish and Buster Olney of ESPN reporting the length and value of the contract, respectively.

Young, 31, found himself in pinstripes after a dreadful beginning and middle to the season playing for the crosstown New York Mets. In 88 games with the Mets, Young hit just .205/.283/.346 with eight home runs and 28 runs batted in. After being designated for assignment, Young was released by the Mets on August 14th and latched on with the Yankees, signing a contract with the team on August 28th. Young would join the major league team on September 1st when rosters expanded.

In 23 games over the final month of the season, Young batted a robust .282/.354/.521 with three home runs and 10 runs batted in, providing clutch moments and hope in his fading ability. In addition to his dreadful 2014, Young was coming off of a two year stretch from 2012-2013 in which he averaged .215/.295/.406 in over 200 games.

With Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran all plugged into the team’s outfield, Young’s likely role for the team will be that of a 4th outfielder.

With a long swing that always yields high strikeout numbers and general inconsistencies, Young is better suited for a part-time role for a contending team. However, with all the Yankees starting outfielders extensive injury history, Young figures to play in more than his fair share of ballgames. Add on the fact that Young is measured as an above average defender in the outfield and has good speed, his skill set perfectly fits the 4th outfielder’s job description.