The Washington Nationals have a unique talent in Jacob Young. The centerfielder provides an elite combination of speed and defensive prowess that was Gold Glove-worthy in 2024. What's in store for the 25-year-old this season?
Let's backtrack a few seasons first. Young was drafted by Washington in the 7th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. The speed demon wasn't as prominent at Florida as he only stole 26 bases in his three seasons as a Gator. In his junior season, Young hit .315 with five home runs, 41 RBI, and 13 stolen bases, according to baseballreference.com.
Following his selection in the MLB Draft, Young played 26 games to end the 2021 Single-A season, hitting just .208 with no home runs and five RBI. It was in 2022 that the center fielder showed his potiential as a mutli-tool player. Jacob hit .262 with two home runs, 46 RBI, and 52 stolen bases. The minor leagues were fully aware of the wheels Jacob Young possessed. Then, the seventh-round pick continued what front offices wanted to see; he improved over the offseason. In 2023, Young hit .305 across three levels with six home runs and 58 RBI. He also stole 39 bases and commanded a strong center field. Jacob got called up after just four games at AAA to make his Major League debut.
Young appeared in 33 games in 2023 for the Nationals and hit .252 with no home runs and 12 RBI. Young stole 12 bases and hit ninth in the batting order, playing an effective "second leadoff hitter." The idea behind slotting Young ninth gives opposing teams another threat on the basepaths for the top of the order. It became a routine in D.C. during the 2024 season. At times, Young hit leadoff when C.J. Abrams was absent, but for most of his 150 games played in 2024, Jacob was in the nine-hole. In his first entire season, Young hit .256 with three home runs, 36 RBI, and 33 stolen bases. The rookie did all that was expected of him and arguably more. The reliable defense and constant effort in all facets of the game were a breath of fresh air in D.C. Young is a hard worker and is willing to improve consistently. He might have taken a different angle at his approach this offseason, check out this picture from Nationals' X account.
Jacob but he goes by Jacked ?? pic.twitter.com/sdcTrTkHmc
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 14, 2025
Has Jacob Young added over ten pounds of muscle this offseason? By the looks of this picture, Young might have added closer to fifteen pounds. If Young can translate this addition of muscle to his skillset, the Nationals will have an extremely valuable asset. At face value, Young provides exceptional defense and speed. He would throw a wrench in the Nats' outfield plans if he could hit eight to twelve home runs and hover in the .750 OPS range. But, that's hypothetical talk, let's predict his 2025 season.
Expect Young to take a step forward this season, he's improved in some aspect following an offseason in every year of his career. Young is trying to hit for more power; he's put on muscle, but don't look for his home run total to skyrocket. Anticipate some of his soft-hit singles to become hard-hit doubles that could turn into triples with his speed. That's where Young can separate himself, turning doubles into triples with game-changing speed. In his second season in the Majors, he should be more comfortable playing his baseball style.
Here are my predictions for Jacob Young's 2025 season: .268 average, four home runs, 42 RBI, 44 stolen bases, .341 OBP, .735 OPS, 24 doubles, four triples, Gold Glove Contestant