January 4, 2018
Photo credit: Rob Fai
Outfielder Chavez Young found success as a leadoff hitter last season.
Finishing 2017 with a solid .283/.336/.445 slash line in 265 at-bats between Bluefield and Vancouver was an excellent way to handle his role.
Factor that in with his 75 hits, 13 walks, and 55 runs scored; and it would appear that Young is comfortable batting in the leadoff spot.
But Young enters the batter’s box with a greater focus than just reaching base and scoring runs.
“I know if I get on base we’ll score runs. But I like seeing a lot of pitches, too,” explained Young. “By doing this, I can work up the pitch count and wait out a good pitch to drive.”
His ability to wait out pitches is something that Young is very proud of,”Pitch recognition has been the biggest transition for me in professional baseball,” stated Young. “I kept a really calm approach last season and I’m really proud of the fact that I took more pitches and stayed patient in the box.”
Another area Young takes a lot of pride is his versatility in the field. While, the prospect has the ability to play all three outfield positions; he feels most at home in center.
“I like center the best, because I am the boss,” said Young. “In center I can direct the field on how I want to play hitters and go gap-to-gap.”
Logging 450 innings in center last season, Young maintained a .993 fielding percentage, while picking up five outfield assists, and taken part in two double plays at the challenging position.
Young will definitely be ready to make a major push to join a full season affiliate in 2018, after the success he found in short-season ball last year.
Toronto Blue Jays fans will definitely be watching out for Chavez Young this season, and for years to come, as he continues to find success as a leadoff hitter.