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Where the Yankees can turn to in free agency to bolster center field
The Nationals have agreed a four-year extension with centre fielder Jacob Young, making him an unlikely option for the Yankees as they look to strengthen the position in free agency. The deal gives Washington control through Young’s arbitration years and his first free-agent year.
The 27-year-old is a right-handed hitter with a strong glove at a premium position, a profile the Yankees may seek. Trent Grisham is a free agent and is unlikely to return, leaving Spencer Jones as the club’s main internal centre-field option; his bat improved last season, but he looked tentative and inexperienced in centre and right field.
In short
- Jacob Young’s extension likely removes him from the Yankees’ options.
- The Yankees need a centre fielder with Grisham unlikely to return.
- Spencer Jones’s bat developed, while his outfield defence remains uncertain.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Yankees have a strong case for pursuing an experienced centre fielder in free agency: with Trent Grisham unlikely to return and Spencer Jones still learning the position, relying on the internal option could leave a defensive and performance risk. A right-handed hitter with a reliable glove would address a premium position while giving Jones time to develop.
The case against
The club could reasonably avoid spending heavily on a free agent and give Spencer Jones a chance to grow, particularly after his bat improved last season. Young’s extension also shows how difficult it can be to secure a suitable centre fielder, so the Yankees may prefer to use their resources elsewhere and accept some short-term uncertainty while assessing their internal options.