After six years of getting to know everybody in the Chicago Cubs organization, Jared Young is saying goodbye.
Picked up on waivers Monday by the St. Louis Cardinals, Young has joined a new Major League Baseball family, but it won’t be long before he renews his Cubs’ acquaintances.
They Cardinals play in the National League Central Division, same as the Cubs, and the Prince George native plans to be a frequent visitor to Wrigley Field in 2024.
“I plan on playing against the Cubs like 20 times a year,” said Young. I can’t wait to do it.”
The Cubs informed Young last week they were leaving him off their 40-man roster and five days later they called to let to let him know he was Cardinals’ property. Not long after that, the Cards front office staff called him.
“Nothing really changes on my end, you keep doing your work and working hard,” said Young, from his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. “Everywhere you go you’ve got to prove yourself and play well to earn your playing time and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
The 28-year-old Young is coming off his best season yet as a pro.
The Cardinals figure they’ve got a steal of deal considering the versatile Young can play virtually any position. In his minor league career, he’s played everywhere except centre field and catcher.
He was a pitcher’s nightmare in 2023, hitting 23 home runs, 21 of which were with triple-A Iowa. In 90 games with the I-Cubs he hit. .310 with 39 extra-base hits, drove in 72 runs and posted a .994 OPS.
In 22 games the past two seasons with Chicago he hit a combined .210 with seven extra-base hits, including three triples and two home runs and delivered eight RBI.
The Cards finished last in their division in 2023, their 71-91 record tied for third-worst in the NL, and it’s a clean slate for Young trying to carve his niche as an everyday MLB player.
“I just really hope I can show that I can help them win games and compete for championships,” said Young. “Every time a door opens you get chance to do something great so I’m looking forward to it.”
Young got to know Cards outfielder Tyler O’Neill when they were teammates in March playing for Canada in the World Baseball Classic. O’Neill is the same age as Young and is a B.C. boy as well, born in Burnaby.
“He’s a super hard-worker and an awesome guy so I’m looking forward to that,” said Young. “I’ve been playing in the minor and major leagues for some years now, so you end up getting to know guys through baseball. I know some guys there.”
