Jared Young is making waves with the New York Mets, and as of May 27, 2025, he’s grabbing headlines with a standout performance. The 29-year-old Canadian, recently called up from Triple-A Syracuse, smashed his first home run of the season against the Chicago White Sox, a two-run shot that sparked excitement at Citi Field. This milestone came in a game where Young, batting as the designated hitter, showed why the Mets are giving him a shot to shine. With injuries to key players like Brandon Nimmo and Mark Vientos, Young’s call-up has given him a golden opportunity to prove he belongs in the majors.
Jared Young’s Journey Back to the Big Leagues
Young’s path to this moment hasn’t been straightforward. After a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs in 2022 and 2023, where he played 22 games, he took a detour to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with the Doosan Bears in 2024. There, he posted a blistering .326/.420/.660 slash line with 10 homers in just 38 games. His success abroad caught the Mets’ attention, leading to a one-year major league contract in December 2024. Despite a minor-league injury setback in March 2025, Young tore it up in Syracuse, hitting .259 with a .926 OPS, six homers, and 23 RBIs in 26 games before his call-up on May 24.
- Versatility: Young has played first base, third base, left field, right field, and DH.
- Power: His 49 homers over three Triple-A seasons show his pop.
- Opportunity: Injuries to Nimmo (stiff neck) and Vientos (abdominal discomfort) opened the door.
Why the Mets Are Betting on Jared Young
Manager Carlos Mendoza is clearly high on Jared Young, emphasizing his potential as a left-handed DH option. Mendoza wants to get Young “into a rhythm” at the major-league level, a strategy evident in his immediate placement in the lineup against right-handed pitchers like the Dodgers’ Tony Gonsolin and Landon Knack. While Young went hitless in his first two games, his seven-pitch at-bats and ability to work counts have impressed the coaching staff. Posts on X highlight his plate discipline, with one fan noting he’s seeing “a lot of pitches” even if results haven’t fully clicked yet.
Young’s call-up wasn’t just a fluke. The Mets signed him as a backup plan for lefty bats like Nimmo or Jesse Winker, knowing his minor-league options provide flexibility. His recent home run against the White Sox, where he drove in Brett Baty, proves he can deliver when given a chance. The Mets, tied for the best record in baseball at 16-7, see Young as a piece of their championship puzzle.
Jared Young’s Unique Story and Canadian Connection
What makes Jared Young’s rise special is his backstory. A native of Prince George, Canada, he played alongside Dodgers star Freddie Freeman in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a moment he cherishes. His time in Korea also forged a bond with teammate Brandon Waddell, another Mets call-up. The two lived in the same apartment complex in Seoul, alongside other North American players, building a support system that fueled their drive to return to MLB. Young’s decision to sign with the Mets over other minor-league offers came down to the team’s winning culture. “I want to play on a team that’s going to win,” he told reporters, and the Mets’ playoff aspirations align perfectly with his goals.
Challenges and What’s Next for Young
Despite his hot start, Young faces pressure to perform consistently. Some fans on X have pointed out his hitless debut games, questioning his immediate placement in the middle of the lineup. Yet, his power metrics—19% strikeout rate, 16% barrel rate, and 115.5 max exit velocity in Triple-A—suggest he’s no fluke. With Ronny Mauricio potentially returning soon, Young’s time as a regular DH could be limited unless he keeps producing. The Mets’ deep roster, bolstered by stars like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso, means every at-bat is a chance to prove he belongs.
Looking ahead, Young’s versatility and left-handed swing make him a valuable asset against right-handed pitching. If he can maintain his plate discipline and capitalize on mistakes like he did against the White Sox, he could carve out a permanent role. For now, Mendoza’s faith in him suggests more opportunities are coming, especially with the Mets’ offense needing a spark amid injuries.
A Bright Future in Queens
Jared Young’s journey—from Canada to Korea to Citi Field—is a testament to perseverance. His recent home run is just the start of what could be a breakout season. The Mets, with their sights set on a World Series, are giving him the stage to shine, and he’s grabbing it with both hands. Whether he’s driving in runs or working deep counts, Young is proving he’s more than a backup plan. Fans are buzzing, and the energy at Citi Field is electric when he steps to the plate.
Keep Rooting for Jared Young
Want to stay updated on Jared Young’s rise with the Mets? Follow the action at Citi Field, check out his stats, and join the conversation about this versatile lefty. Share your thoughts on his latest performances and let’s see how far he can go in Queens!