Track Record: Young ranked as the No. 356 prospect in the 2021 draft and signed for $275,000 with the Nationals that year in the seventh round. Despite never receiving much in the way of attention, he has always impressed within the organization. Young was one of just two minor league players to score at least 100 runs and steal at least 50 bases in 2022. He carried that momentum into 2023 and, despite starting the year in High-A, ultimately made his big league debut in Washington, hitting .252 with 13 steals in 33 games.
Scouting Report: Speed is Young’s calling card. He stole 39 bases in the minors in 2023 and was not caught stealing in his 13 attempts in the majors. Some scouts remark that he’s among the best baserunners they’ve ever seen and he posted a 98th percentile sprint speed in the big leagues. Young could compete for stolen base titles in a full-time role, but it’s an open question whether he’ll hit enough to command such an opportunity on a major league roster. Young makes plenty of contact, especially on pitches in the zone, but he struggles to hit for much power. Young primarily played center field upon arriving in Washington but is capable at all three outfield spots. He showed slightly above-average range and arm strength in his limited big league time.
The Future: While he’s likely more of a fourth outfielder because of his limited power output, Young has played his way into the Nationals’ outfield mix and could even push Victor Robles for the starting role in center in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 40 | Run: 75 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50
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