Dave Dombrowski reportedly has tapped into the open market. Just not for a pitcher.
The Boston Red Sox agreed to a multiyear contract with free-agent outfielder Chris Young, according to multiple reports. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal was the first to report Monday that a deal had been reached.
The deal reportedly is pending a physical, and terms of the contract aren’t yet known. But once official, Young would give the Red Sox some right-handed pop. He has hit at least 20 home runs four times in his 10-year career.
Young hit .252 with 14 home runs, 42 RBIs and a .320 on-base percentage in 356 plate appearances over 140 games with the New York Yankees last season. The right-handed-hitting outfielder was especially productive against left-handers, as he batted .327 with seven homers, 24 RBIs and a .972 OPS in 175 plate appearances versus southpaws.
Young reportedly met with the Red Sox about three weeks ago at the MLB General Managers Meetings in Boca Raton, Fla. The meeting fueled speculation that Boston could consider trading an outfielder while simultaneously pursuing Young, who was believed to be seeking an everyday job, but the 32-year-old joins an outfield group that still features Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo.
Dombrowski, who was hired as the Red Sox president of baseball operations in August, said at the beginning of the offseason he planned to add another outfielder.
UPDATE (6:45 p.m.): Not a huge surprise here.
UPDATE (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.):Â More details of Young’s reported deal have emerged.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
