The Boston Red Sox simultaneously improved their depth and (again) fueled Internet trade speculation Monday by reportedly agreeing to a multiyear contract with free-agent outfielder Chris Young.
The move adds an interesting piece to Boston’s outfield puzzle, which began taking shape toward the tail end of last season with the emergence of Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo alongside Mookie Betts.
Young provides right-handed pop — he’s hit 20 home runs in a season four times in his 10-year career — and has the ability to play all three outfield spots. He’s especially good against left-handers — he batted .327 with seven homers, 24 RBIs and a .972 OPS in 175 plate appearances versus southpaws last season — and seemingly is built for the confines of Fenway Park.
On the surface, signing Young makes perfect sense, especially with Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski publicly expressing his desire to add an outfielder this offseason. The only question a few weeks ago, when Young reportedly met with the Red Sox at the MLB General Managers Meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., was whether Dombrowski and Co. might be thinking bigger.
After all, Young was believed to be seeking an everyday job after appearing in 140 games with the New York Yankees in 2015 and totaling at least 101 games in each season since 2006. The Red Sox seemed unlikely to provide that opportunity with Betts, Bradley and Castillo all in tow. Thus, there inherently was chatter that Boston might consider trading an outfielder, perhaps in a package for pitching, which in turn would create an opening for Young.
But let’s not go that far. While Young could end up playing more than a traditional fourth outfielder in Boston, one shouldn’t necessarily view his addition as a precursor to the Red Sox trading either Bradley or Castillo — let’s assume Betts is borderline untouchable — because the 32-year-old is best-suited for a backup/platoon role despite any desires he might have. In fact, Young is an ideal complement to the current group based on his versatility, his power and his past success, particularly against lefties.
The outfield still belongs to Betts, Bradley and Castillo. But both Bradley and Castillo remain unproven despite the glimpses they showed in 2015. Without knowing the financial particulars of Young’s new contract, which reportedly is pending a physical, one could categorize signing a veteran outfielder with ample experience and a track record of big league success as a safe play for Boston.
In other words, the Red Sox aren’t swapping out pieces. They simply discovered one that fits.
Thumbnail photo via Bruce Kluckhohn/USA TODAY Sports Images
