Red Sox, Outfielder Chris Young Agree To Multiyear Contract

He turned things around with the Yankees last season, posting a. 972 OPS against left-handed pitching.

The Boston Red Sox agreed to a multiyear contract with free-agent outfielder Chris Young, according to multiple reports.

Dombrowski, who was hired as the Red Sox president of baseball operations in August, said at the beginning of the offseason he planned to add another outfielder. An industry source, however, confirmed the agreement.

Young spent 2015 with the New York Yankees where he hit.252/.320/.453 with 14 homers and 42 RBI’s while making a total of 356 plate appearances in 140 games played. Against lefties, Young hit.

As the Red Sox had previously announced that their expected outfield for 2016 would consist of Rusney Castillo, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts, Monday’s signing surely changes the anticipated plan. And while that torrid 25-game streak was an encouraging sign that he’s perhaps maturing into a competent major-league hitter, it’s also worth noting that it was followed by a season-ending 11-for-80 (.138) spell that coincided with a stretch of games against AL East opponents. A member of the New York Mets to begin 2014, Young went on to finish the year across town with the Yankees. He’s also a dead pull hitter, which should enable to take full avantage of Fenway Park’s dimensions.

By signing with Boston, Chris Young gets the multi-year security he wants, even if he doesn’t likely feature in a starting role.

Young proved especially productive against lefthanded pitching.