Jacob Young knows that he is one of the best defensive outfielder in sports. He should have been deprived of the gold gloves last season and will be a permanent candidate for the future award. But his aggressive possibilities are not so certain.
In 2024, Jacoboyang was pleased to see roaming around in the center field. He made many extraordinary plays. But what I was most impressed with him was his ability to show tough play on a daily basis. In a play where other outfielder has to jump in, Young just cruises on the ball and plays a regular regular play. That is how he complained 20 More than average.
It was never assumed to Jacob Young. He was the seventh round pick, far from the Star Player, the Star Player, his own university team. However, he gained him through the minor league by the combination of his speed, defense, and contact hitting. After drinking coffee in 2023, Young made the Nationals Park center field in 2024. He was a very productive player and posted 2.6 FWAR and 2.8 BWAR.
He does not deny his speed and defense, but his aggressive advantage is limited. Young hits a decent .256, but it didn’t have power and led to a rough .648 OPS. Most of him Batball data It is ranked to 10 % of the lower part of the MLB batter, indicating that there are no clear advantages. But he doesn’t have to be a great batter, and it’s worth it doesn’t have to be an average batter.
He only needs to be mediocre, and he is given the opportunity to do this season. Young’s 19.6 k % was ranked 64 %, but he still needs to play the ball. For Young’s arched batters, it is most important not to strike. Playing the ball at the speed of Young has a great pressure on defense. If he can bring his striking out rate to 15 %, he can see some solid profits.
If Young does not improve aggressively, NAT will have a difficult conversation. Young’s defense is worthwhile to be aggressive in the lineup. This year’s playoffs showed that bad and aggressive players protrude like thumb.
There is always a possibility that Dylan Crew will be returned to a natural center field position and a splash in the outfield bat at the elite corner. Jace Laviolet, another outfielder, is one of the first favorite favorite. NATS can stick to young people if they want to do it until they are ready.
He is a valuable asset, even if Young has no bats to become a daily player. He is the fourth outfielder of the elite, and his speed will be defense. Young will be a great inning defense in a close game.
Young can be a trade candidate on the way. The team outrages his speed and defense. Miles Straw, who was the same player as Young, won their future catcher Astros Yainer Diaz.
The Nationals seems to be pleased to give Young a starting spot this season, but he will tell us a lot about how he plays. Young is a valuable player. The problem is how value it is for him and what role is the best. Regardless of what it would be, Jacob Young was a rough diamond and went to a valuable MLB player from the seventh round pick.
