Eric Young Jr.
American baseball player and coach (born 1985)

Baseball player
Eric Young Jr.
Young with the New York Mets in 2013
Seattle Mariners – No. 53
Outfielder / Coach
Born: (1985-05-25) May 25, 1985 (age 40)
New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.
Batted: Switch
Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 25, 2009, for the Colorado Rockies
Last MLB appearance
September 30, 2018, for the Los Angeles Angels
MLB statistics
Batting average.245
Home runs13
Runs batted in112
Stolen bases162
Stats at Baseball Reference 
Teams
As player
As coach
Career highlights and awards

Eric Orlando Young Jr. (born May 25, 1985) is an American professional baseball former outfielder and current first base coach for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels from 2009 to 2018. He led the National League in stolen bases in 2013.

Young was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and graduated from Piscataway Township High School in Piscataway, New Jersey.[1] He had a football scholarship to attend Villanova University. The Colorado Rockies selected Young in the 30th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed rather than attend college.[2]

Baseball career

Young began his professional career playing in 2004 for the Casper Rockies, an advanced rookie Pioneer League team in Casper, Wyoming. In 2006, Young led all minor leaguers with 87 in stolen bases.[3] He then won the Arizona Fall League batting title, finishing with a .430 average.[4] Young appeared in the 2009 All-Star Futures Game, hitting a three-run home run.[5]

Colorado Rockies

Young made his major league debut on August 25, 2009, for the Colorado Rockies playing center field. He had his first career hit in this game during the 5th inning and ended the game 1–4. His father, Eric Young Sr., was in attendance for his debut. On September 8, Young hit his first career home run in the bottom of the 6th inning against the Cincinnati Reds. He came off the bench in the only two postseason appearances of his career, batting 0-for-1 in the National League Division Series.[6]

During spring training in 2010, Young was optioned to the team's Triple-A affiliate, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.[7] On April 25, he was recalled to the Rockies. On May 15, he suffered a stress fracture in his right tibia and was placed on the 60-day disabled list.[8] He would return from the DL to Coors Field on August 14. On May 27, 2011, he was called back up to the Rockies with an above .300 batting average with the Sky Sox. He was on the Rockies' 2012 opening day roster. He went on the disabled list with a left intercostal muscle strain on August 20.[8] Young was designated for assignment by the Rockies on June 12, 2013.

New York Mets

Eric Young Jr. batting right handed in a blue Mets uniform
Young with the Mets in 2013

On June 18, 2013, Young was traded to the New York Mets for pitcher Collin McHugh.[9] On July 24, Young was involved in a season-ending incident for pitcher Tim Hudson. Hudson was covering the first base bag, and Young attempted to beat the groundout. When Young stepped late on the bag, his cleat dug hard into Hudson's ankle full stride, unnaturally rolling it. This incident broke Hudson's ankle and ultimately ended Hudson's last season with the Braves. Young expressed extreme concern for Hudson after the play ended.[10] On August 2, Young hit the first walk-off hit of his career, a two-run home run, in the 11th inning against the Kansas City Royals.[11]

On September 29, 2013 in the final game of the season, Young stole his 45th and 46th bases against the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming the National League stolen base leader.[12] He is the Mets' first stolen bases champion since José Reyes in 2007. On December 2, 2014, Young was non-tendered by the Mets.

Atlanta Braves

Young signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on February 13, 2015. The deal included an invitation to spring training.[13][14] On June 5, the Braves designated Young for assignment.[15] With Atlanta, he batted .169/.229/.273.

New York Mets (second stint)

On August 22, 2015, Young was traded back to the Mets in exchange for cash.[16] He was removed from the 40-man roster on November 5, making him a free agent.[17] Young had a batting average of .153 with no home runs, five RBIs and .217 on-base percentage with both the Braves and the Mets in 2015.

Milwaukee Brewers

On January 5, 2016, Young signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, with an invitation to spring training.[18] He was one of nine players competing to be the Brewers center fielder for the 2016 season.[19] Center field was one of the last positions the Brewers decided,[20][21] but Young did not make the Opening Day roster.[22]

New York Yankees

On August 31, 2016, the Brewers traded Young to the New York Yankees for cash considerations. The Yankees assigned him to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.[23] He played in 6 games for the Yankees, primarily as a pinch runner, scoring twice, stealing one base, and batting 0-for-1.[24][25]

Los Angeles Angels

On January 24, 2017, the Los Angeles Angels signed Young to a minor league deal, later calling him up to replace the injured Mike Trout. On May 31, Young hit a game-winning solo home run in the eighth inning to give the Angels a 2–1 lead against the Atlanta Braves. This was his first home run since 2014. The Angels went on to win by that score.[26] He was outrighted on July 13. He was called back up during the end of the season. In 110 at bats, Young tied a career high by hitting 4 home runs; he was outrighted and elected free agency after the season.

On January 4, 2018, the Angels re-signed Young to a minor league deal. He was assigned to AAA Salt Lake Bees for the 2018 season. He was recalled on July 27.[27] In 109 at bats, he batted .202/.248/.303.

Baltimore Orioles

On February 9, 2019, the Baltimore Orioles signed Young to a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training. He was released on March 22.[28]

Seattle Mariners

On March 26, 2019, Young signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners. He was released on July 23.

Acereros de Monclova

On July 28, 2019, Young signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.[29] He was released on January 24, 2020.

Guerreros de Oaxaca

On February 12, 2020, Young signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League. He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Mexican League season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[30] On November 18, Young was released by the Guerreros.

Coaching career

Eric Young Jr., wearing a red Washington Nationals helmet, glasses, and white uniform, smiling and putting his hand on the chest of Josh Bell of the Nationals
Young (right), with Josh Bell (left), as the first base coach of the Washington Nationals in 2022.

On January 27, 2021, Young was announced to be part of the coaching staff of the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.[31] The Washington Nationals announced hiring Young as their first base coach on October 28, 2021.[32] The Nationals did not retain Young after the 2023 season.[33]

On November 26, 2024, Young was hired by the Mariners for the same role.[34] Several Mariners players credited him with helping them steal bases.[35][36]

Personal life

Young is the son of former professional baseball player and Angels third base coach Eric Young Sr. and the paternal half-brother of actor Dallas Dupree Young.[37][38][39]

Young and his wife's first child, Eric Young III, was born prematurely in January 2017 and died one day later.[1][40][41]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Miller, Randy. "Angels' Eric Young Jr., shares sad story of losing his 'angel'", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, June 9, 2017. Accessed July 5, 2017. "Shortly after joining the club in an Aug. 31, trade, the Yankees were in Baltimore for a Labor Day weekend series when the New Brunswick native and Piscataway High alum learned he was going to be a first-time father."
  2. ^ "Eric Young Jr. returns to where his baseball career began in his Mets' home debut". Nj.com. June 29, 2013.
  3. ^ Winston, Lisa (July 10, 2009). "Young Jr. ready for Futures Game". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  4. ^ Torenli, John (November 20, 2008). "Young captures AFL batting title". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  5. ^ Nightengale, Bob (July 13, 2009). "World a winner on soggy night in Futures game". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  6. ^ "Eric Young Jr. Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  7. ^ "Baseball News". MLB.com.
  8. ^ a b "Jhoulys Chacin reinstated from DL, Eric Young Jr. placed on DL". MLB.com. August 21, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  9. ^ DiComo, Anthony (June 18, 2013). "Mets acquire Young from Rockies for McHugh". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  10. ^ "Braves' Hudson breaks ankle in win against Mets". Ajc.com. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  11. ^ MLB (August 4, 2013). Mets walk off on Young's two-run shot in 11th. Retrieved September 30, 2025 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ White, R.J. (September 29, 2013). "Eric Young secures NL steals title with two first-inning SBs". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  13. ^ "Eric Young Jr, Braves reach minor league deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 13, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  14. ^ Bowman, Mark (February 13, 2015). "Braves ink speedy Young to Minor League deal". Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  15. ^ "Braves Replace Eric Young Jr". The New York Times. June 6, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2015.
  16. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 22, 2015). "Braves trade Young to Mets for cash". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 24, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  17. ^ "Outfielder Eric Young Jr. becomes free agent - Mets Blog". ESPN.go.com. November 6, 2015.
  18. ^ "Brewers sign Eric Young Jr. to minor-league deal, invite to camp". Foxsports.com. January 5, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  19. ^ McCalvy, Adam (February 24, 2016). "Nine Brewers to compete for center-field job". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  20. ^ McCalvy, Adam (March 24, 2016). "Brewers looking at 7 spots to finalize roster". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  21. ^ McCalvy, Adam (April 3, 2016). "Counsell talks CF, Opening Day in Q&A". MLB.com. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  22. ^ McCalvy, Adam (April 3, 2016). "7 Brewers make Opening Day roster for first time". MLB.com. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  23. ^ "Yankees make 2 minor trades, get Eric Young Jr from Brewers". SI. Associated Press. August 31, 2016. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  24. ^ Adams, Steve (January 24, 2017). "Angels, Eric Young Jr. Agree To Minors Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  25. ^ "Eric Young Jr. 2016 Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  26. ^ Moura, Pedro (May 31, 2017). "Eric Young Jr. has big blast for Angels". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
  27. ^ Guardado, Maria (July 28, 2018). "Eric Young Jr. back with Angels". MLB.com. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
  28. ^ Adams, Steve (March 22, 2019). "Orioles Release Eric Young Jr". Mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  29. ^ "Eric Young Jr. aportará experiencia a Acereros". Acereros.com.mx (in Spanish). July 28, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  30. ^ Todd, Jeff (July 1, 2020). "Mexican League Cancels 2020 Season". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  31. ^ Gustafson, Brandon (January 27, 2021). "Mariners announce player development and minor league coaching staffs". Seattle Sports. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  32. ^ Polishuk, Mark (October 28, 2021). "Nationals Hire Eric Young Jr. As First Base Coach". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  33. ^ "Nationals won't bring back four coaches on manager Dave Martinez's staff, AP source says". AP News. October 10, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  34. ^ "Mariners Announce 2025 Major League Coaching Staff". Seattle Mariners. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  35. ^ Brown, Dave (September 26, 2025). "Mariners' Slow Train Running: Josh Naylor Creates Havoc With Stolen Bases". Pitcher List. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  36. ^ Pro Baseball Insider (February 16, 2020). 6 Base Stealing Tips from Major League stolen base leader. Retrieved September 30, 2025 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ McCalvy, Adam (March 22, 2016). "Young Jr. has dad to keep him grounded". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  38. ^ Renck, Troy E. (February 27, 2013). "Eric Young gives Rockies options on offense and defense". Denver Post. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  39. ^ Yates, Clinton (November 5, 2021). "Braves' Eric Young Sr. gets redemption". Andscape. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  40. ^ Moura, Pedro (March 3, 2017). "Eric Young Jr. opens up to Angels teammates about his grief after loss of first child". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  41. ^ Young Jr., Eric [@itseyjr]; (February 5, 2017). "😢The Same week I was blessed to sign with the Angels, was the same week I held my Angel and laid him to rest. Eric Young III was delivered (Not a Miscarriage) on 1/26/2017, eleven weeks before his due date. Since he was under developed, he wasn't able to survive outside of the womb. He passed away early in the morning of 1/27/2017, and was laid to rest on 2/1/17. Please send prayers out to my family and I during this difficult time" – via Instagram.
  • Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet  · Baseball Almanac
  • Eric Young Jr. on Twitter
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