Eric

Young

Young is following Ron Washington from Atlanta to Anaheim, having served as the Braves’ first base coach since 2018. The 35-year-old Goins will be making his coaching debut after wrapping up a 14-year career that he finished in the Braves’ minor league system.

Nightengale adds that Washington’s staff in Los Angeles is also expected to include Chili Davis as hitting coach, Torii Hunter as first base coach, Eric Young Sr. as third base coach and a recently-retired Ryan Goins as infield coach. There could wind up being some changes in the near future, but it’s a pretty impressive list for the Angels.

Young hit .329/.413/.451 in 164 AB against lefties for the Rangers last season, so the Padres will probably platoon him with either Sean Burroughs or Ryan Klesko. He can also back up Mark Loretta.

Young went 0-for-2 with two walks. His stolen base total (eight), and thus his fantasy value, should increase from the leadoff slot.

That’s not really an upgrade, but the Rockies may see it as one. Since Young would probably only command a one-year, $1.5 million contract and Belliard is arbitration eligible, making the switch wouldn’t be a terrible move. When the Brewers signed Young prior to 2002 and blocked Belliard, that was a terrible move.

Young, who was cut by the Padres on Aug. 1, hit .288/.377/.381 in 344 at-bats for the Rangers in 2004. He’ll probably be called up to join the bench in September.

Young was still doing a respectable job against lefties (764 OPS), but he was terrible against righties, giving him a .203/.281/.313 line in 128 at-bats. Also, manager Bruce Bochy was no longer interested in using him in the infield at all, taking away a lot of his value. He could still be a useful bench player elsewhere, especially once rosters expand and he can contribute more as a pinch-runner.

It isn’t very often that a manager comes out and says which players he considers trade bait, but Yost made it clear that Young is available. ''EY has some value for a club that’s in contention,’' Yost said. With his sudden power spike, Young does indeed look like he could be an asset. The Twins and Dodgers could be interested.

Nelson Cruz has been struggling, so perhaps Young will take over as Matt Stairs’ platoonmate and start against left-handers. If it happens, it might be only a short-term thing, as the Rangers would have no reason to stick with Young if they fall completely out of the race. There’s little reason to pick up Young in AL-only leagues.

The Rangers won’t be in any rush to get him back. Since they’re no longer in contention, they’re content to use younger players.