Free-agent infielder Michael Young has reached out to the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, and the two clubs reportedly find the veteran “interesting,” according to Peter Gammons of MLB Network.
Michael Young rumors: Veteran INF has reached out to Orioles, Red Sox
There’s really not much to go on, but Peter Gammons says the two clubs at least find Young “interesting.”
Harry How
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Whether or not “interesting” means the teams are actually interested in signing the 37-year-old free agent is unknown.
A 14-year veteran who’s spent significant time at every position on the infield, Young certainly has the pedigree of a guy who could end up in a super-utility role. But his paltry defensive numbers across the board -- a total of 154 runs below average for his career -- and declining offensive production seem to point more toward a bench player with the ability to man the infield corners in a pinch.
Young started the 2013 season as the Phillies’ everyday third baseman, but was pushed out of the role -- and eventually traded to the Dodgers -- when the club called up young prospect Cody Asche at the end of July. Young hit .276/.336/.395 with just eight home runs during his five-month stint in Philadelphia, continuing a power-decline trend that first reared its head in 2012 with the Rangers.
The former batting champion has always been more of a gap hitter than a home-run threat, but even his doubles totals have suffered the last two years. Young averaged 38 doubles a year from 2003-2011, but tallied just 27 and 26 two-baggers in 2012 and 2013, while playing in just as many games.
A steady decline is to be expected for a player of Young’s age, and this winter his dip in production might finally translate into him not getting paid like the player he used to be. The seven-time all-star has averaged roughly $14.8 million in salary the last five seasons, but might have to take a pay cut this winter to get a spot on an active roster.
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