On Friday, with the Washington Nationals back in action against the Texas Rangers following a disappointing series finale loss to the Chicago Cubs, you may have noticed a familiar face back in the lineup. While the decision the Nationals chose to make on Friday before the game was not unexpected by any means, it is a little bit disappointing in the grand scheme of things.
While Jacob Young found himself back with the big league club following an extended absence following a shoulder injury suffered against the Baltimore Orioles last month, another outfielder found himself headed back down to the minors. The choice the Nationals made was actually what I predicted would happen, but it might be the best move for this player in the long run.
That corresponding move to Young being activated from the IL was that outfielder Daylen Lile, the team's top outfield prospect in the organization who got his first taste of big league action, was optioned back down to AAA Rochester. Again, I think this is the best move for Lile in the long run, but he showed everything he needed to in his short stint.
Lile showed that he is more than capable of holding his own at the big league level, and that he definitely has some tools that will play at this level in the future. Despite a slightly underwhelming slash line during his short time, with a .194/.257/.355 line, good for a .612 OPS, he showed some very real pop from his bat, and also played some solid defense with some highlight plays.
We have to keep in mind that when evaluating Lile's performance, we are talking about a guy that still had only played 18 games at the AAA level before getting his first crack at the show, and he can definitely use a bit more seasoning. What was most impressive about Lile's short time is how he never really seemed overmatched, and did many things to benefit the ballclub in every game he played in.
With some more time getting everyday at-bats at the highest level of the minors, Lile should only continue to grow and become an even better player, and I would guess he will be recalled later this season to rejoin the big league club. At the bare minimum, he has put himself into prime position to make the big league club out of Spring Training in 2026, and should be a big piece of this team's future.
As for Young, who started on Friday in his first game back and finished 1/3 with a bunt single, may have been handed back a starting job, but to say that his spot is safe would be stretching it. As a glove-first outfielder who is known for his speed on the basepaths offensively, we have not just not seen him be efficient enough, with only 5 steals in 9 attempts, and at some point, having an OPS below .600 with zero threat of slugging in any capacity can only carry you so far.
Eventually, the Nationals will have to accept the reality that Young's skillset likely sets him up to be a 4th outfielder long-term, and given that he has some options left, he could be a candidate to go down to Rochester once Dylan Crews returns from his lengthy absence. For now, Young will need to do everything in his power to prove he belongs at this level, or his days as an everyday player could be numbered as Robert Hassell III continues to get consistent playing time.
What do you think of this transaction? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.