The New York Mets on Sunday sent infielder/outfielder Jared Young of Prince George to their triple-A affiliate Syracuse.
Young signed a major league contract with the Mets on Dec. 16 and was expected to provide fielding depth and left-handed power at the plate at a time when incumbent first baseman Pete Alonso appeared to be heading to another team as a free agent.
But that situation changed Feb. 12 when the all-star slugger re-signed with the Mets after agreeing to a two-year contract worth $54 million.
In 19 games in spring training Young had four hits for a .211 batting average. His on-base percentage was .348 and he had a .559 OPS (on-base plus slugging average).
Young was coming off two solid seasons of triple-A and a stint in the Korean Baseball Organization.
In 90 games with the Iowa Cubs in 2023 he hit .310, had a .417 slugging average and .557 on-base percentage. The Memphis Redbirds claimed him off waivers that winter and Young continued to deliver at the plate in 2024, posting a .285/.411/.506 slash line with 11 home runs.
He signed with Korea in late July and made an immediate impact with the Bears, hitting .326 with 10 homers, 39 RBIs with a 1.080 OPS, to lead Doosan into the playoffs.
Syracuse, in upstate New York, is just 318 km from New York City and Young will be ready if at any point in the season the Mets call him up.
According to CBS Sports: “The 29-year-old has some experience in the corner outfield and at third base, but since he profiles best defensively at first base, he may not be in line for much action with the Mets unless Pete Alonso misses time with an injury.”
The Syracuse Mets open their season on the road in Worcester, Mass., on March 28.
