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New York Mets News: Eric Young Jr. Acquired From Atlanta Braves

By Kenneth Teape

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New York Mets News: The Mets will be welcoming a familiar face back to the organization, as they acquired Eric Young Jr. from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations after he was non-tendered this past off-season.

The New York Mets continue to add to their roster, as they traded for Eric Young Jr. from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash. Young is someone the Mets are very familiar with, as he spent 191 games with the team between the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

With an already full 25-man roster, the Mets will be assigning Young to their Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas. He will probably be there only for about a week, as he will undoubtedly be a player the Mets bring up once rosters expand in September, and with good reason. His speed will be an asset the Mets can take advantage of throughout September as late game pinch runner when they need to pick up a run.

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Assistant General Manager John Ricco spoke highly of the move, saying, “He’s a guy we know pretty well. He brings a different dimension to the game certainly with his speed. He’s a guy we know well, who will fit into the clubhouse, and provides a different dimension.”

The 30-year old Young was expected to be a regular for the Braves after spring training heading into the regular season, but a trade on the eve of the season changed that. The Braves acquired centerfielder Cameron Maybin in a blockbuster deal with the San Diego Padres that shipped Craig Kimbrel out west. But, he didn’t do himself any favors with his play, as Young hit an abysmal .169 in 77 at-bats. He has been with the Braves Triple-A affiliate, in Gwinett since mid-June because of his poor play.

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But, despite the production at the plate, Young still managed to steal three bases without getting caught. Stealing bases is what the Mets will be expecting from Young, as that is clearly his strong suit. He stole 68 bases in his last stint with the Mets, getting caught 13 times.

“It is a dimension we don’t have. It would be very important to have a guy like that. He knew his role and he got ready to play. Every day he came with a smile on his face and did his job,” Mets’ manager Terry Collins said.

Saying that is a dimension the Mets don’t have could be an understatement from Collins. On the season, the Mets rank 27th of 30 teams, stealing only 45 bases thus far, being caught 15 times. Only one player, Curtis Granderson, has managed to reach double digit steals on the Mets this season and he has barely done it by swiping 10 bases and being caught four times.

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There is a chance, if given enough opportunities as a pinch runner or with spot starts, that Young could find himself near the top of the Mets stolen base total this season despite what looks like will be only about a month stay with the team.

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