New York Mets acquire Eric Young Jr. from Atlanta Braves
By Tim Haberin
The New York Mets have acquired utility player Eric Young Jr. from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash. The team says he will report to Triple-A Las Vegas:
The Mets have acquired INF/OF Eric Young Jr. from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations. He will report to Las Vegas (AAA).
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 22, 2015
Young, son of the 15-year MLB veteran, rejoins the Mets after spending part of the 2013 season and 2014 with them. He slashed .242/.310/.321 over 191 total games during his first stint in the Big Apple.
Though never renowned for his bat, the 30-year-old was putting up the worst numbers of his career at the plate before the Braves designated him for assignment at the beginning of June. Young had managed a woeful .169/.229/.273 line through 85 plate appearances and accepted a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett. He hasn’t exactly been setting the world ablaze there either, posting a .661 OPS in 67 games.
Young’s strengths, however, lie in his speed and positional versatility. He led the National League with 46 stolen bases in 2013 and followed that up with 30 more last year. Though he didn’t get much of a chance to show his base running prowess this year at the major league level with just three swipes, he has collected 23 so far during his time in the minors.
He can also ply his trade at multiple spots around the field. Young has experience playing all three outfield positions and has spent some time at second base as well.
Young likely won’t be seen with the big club until rosters expand in September, but when they do he can be a potentially useful piece for manager Terry Collins as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement. The NL East-leading Mets are angling for their first postseason appearance since 2006, and a cheap depth acquisition like Young could play a part down the stretch.