The Mets would like to bring back Eric Young Jr. this winter, and plan on making him the backup outfielder, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com
"Young is seen as an excellent fourth or fifth outfielder." Heyman said.
Young will earn a total of $492,000 this season, and can be brought back in 2014 through the arbitration process. He will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter, and is under team control through the 2016 season.
The 28 year old, who was acquired from Colorado earlier in the season, has hit .262 with a .338 on-base percentage in 74 games with the Mets. He also has 29 stolen bases in 35 attempts.
I'm a big fan of Young, but I know that he is not a starting-caliber player. At this point it seems like the Mets are going to commit to either Juan Lagares or Matt den Dekker in center field (neither of whom have any power,) and Young just doesn't have enough power to his bat to be an everyday left or right fielder. However, Young does have many great qualities. He's a switch-hitter, speedy on the base paths, plays decent defense, and is cheap.
The cheap aspect is probably the most important one of all. Young will earn a slight salary raise from this year's, but will still be very affordable, and will give solid production for his worth.
Considering that the Mets have been chasing after Young for a few years, I highly doubt they'll non-tender him and let him walk. His speed is very important, and I believe he's earned a spot on next year's bench due to that quickness.
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