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MLB New York Yankees

New York Yankees Make Smart Move in Bringing Back Chris Young

By @chriswgamble

Getty Images

Getty Images

It looks like the New York Yankees have their fourth outfielder as reports are circulating that the Yankees and Chris Young have agreed to a deal pending a physical. Terms have not been disclosed as of yet. However, this is a solid move by the Yankees and a move I advocated just last week.

Young, 31, came over to the Yankees last season after getting released from the New York Mets after he had signed a one-year, $7 million deal. He hit .205/.283/.346 with 11 home runs with the Mets but slashed .282/.354/.521 with three homers in 23 games with the Yankees.

The Yankees need outfield depth and Young will provide that. He plays all three outfield positions, although he had been mostly a center fielder before last season and his bat has some pop. He has averaged 23 home runs per 162 games in his nine-year career but he hasn’t hit 20 home runs since 2011. He will bring above average defense and will play a key role for the Yankees in 2015 as it is expected Carlos Beltran will need regular rest and might see most of his at-bats at the DH slot in the lineup.

It is imperative for the Yankees to be as flexible as possible with their roster next season. Having Young will allow Joe Girardi to rest players regularly without sacrificing much on defense or on offense. There are too many question marks heading into next season for the Yankees. Having Young in the fold will help alleviate some of those questions in the outfield.

While terms and length of the deal have not been disclosed yet it would be shocking if it were longer than a one-year deal. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees bring in another player who can play the infield and outfield.

Update: The deal is for one-year, $2.5 million with incentives.

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