The Yankees’ outfield was one of the main topics of discussion heading into this offseason, with a lot of uncertainty about what the future of the center field might look like.
Trent Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer ahead of the 2026 season, held the position throughout the season until he was placed on the injured list during the summer with a hamstring injury. Spencer Jones took over the position in his place, performed well down the stretch, and went on to make his MLB postseason debut
in the Wild Card Series against Boston.
After striking out to end the Yankees’ season in Game 3 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay, the free agent Grisham probably won’t be returning for another year in pinstripes. That leaves the position up for consideration ahead of the offseason, and right field likely won’t be an option with Aaron Judge returning to health. With Jones still getting a handle on manning center following some misplays and looking to also develop by solving his consistent strikeout problems at the plate, is it a good idea to bring in another player for center field next season?
MLB insider Joel Sherman recently reported that the Yankees expressed some interest in Nationals center fielder Jacob Young, who finished the regular season batting .252 with a .318 OBP and .708 OPS. He only recorded 78 strikeouts this season in 140 games with the Nationals, while Spencer Jones recorded 105 in 86 regular season games (though he did out-produce Young with a .742 OPS). Young also brings a lot of grit to both sides of the ball, stealing 18 bases this season and posting an 11 OAA on defense with a 92-percent success rate per Statcast. He has a solid arm too, reaching a high of 94.2 mph in 334 total throws this season.
Young is eligible for arbitration, and it’s likely that the Nationals will give him an offer. He won’t have the chance to walk because he’s under club control until 2029. If he doesn’t like their pitch, however, Young will be free to submit his own offer and go through the arbitration process. If the Yankees are serious about pursuing Young, they’ll have to come up with a trade package that will attract the Nationals’ interest.
There are several clubs also in need of a steady starting outfielder, including the Astros, Rangers, Reds, Orioles, and Blue Jays. The 27-year-old center fielder may make a good fit in the Bronx to give Jones some more room for development, but the question is: will the Yankees move to secure him this offseason?
