a photograph Nationals Center fielder Jacob Young shows off the waves that were absolutely jacked yesterday. Looking at the size of his arm, you’ll think he’s a 30-run batsman. However, despite its new look, speed and defense are the names of Young’s game.
This additional strength is either a blessing or a curse for the 25-year-old outfielder. Young hit only three home runs and had a slugging rate of .331 in 2024. His average exit speed, hard hit rate, and butt speed are all Lower 10th percentile.
When that strength is converted into more aggressive juice, young people become invaluable players. He in 2024 Posted 2.6 FWAR WRC+ is only 85, or 15% below the average. young All outfielders led He averaged over 20 and over 20 on average for 2024, and he created a lot of value on his base pass, earning 33 steels.
It is crucial for Young to maintain all of this value. Can he do it with all this added muscles? We saw the drawbacks of adding muscle with Victor Robles in 2020. It didn’t help him to apply any strength. The added bulk increases the chances of muscular injuries, especially those of young people flying around diamonds.
This will be something you will be watching as the season enters. If Jacob Young can add power to his game while maintaining speed and defense, he could become an All-Star level player. As a batsman average in the league, Young compiled many wars. This will make the Nationals outfield painting transparent. Wood, a more powerful young man who roams the grass of Nationals Park, is a sight to be seen.
However, this additional mass also adds risk. Young people need flexibility, speed and cramps to get to their best. If you have too much muscle, some of it can be taken away. It all depends on his body and how much mass it can handle. He knows it better than anyone else, so perhaps a good weight. But I can’t help but remind myself of Victor Robles. Will Jacked Jacob take the league by storm, or will he be shaken by his huge biceps?
