Nationals Extend Jacob Young, Removing Yankees Trade Option

The Nationals have agreed to a four-year, $23 million contract extension with Young, a 27-year-old outfielder who had been linked to the Yankees as they consider their plans in center field. The deal also includes an $8 million option for a fifth season.

New York had previously shown interest in Young, whose defense and plate approach made him a possible fit. The extension means the Yankees will need to look elsewhere if they want to add an outfielder through a trade. Young had been eligible for arbitration and, without the new deal, could have remained under team control through 2030.

The Yankees are weighing whether to give center field to Spencer Jones, a rookie who flashed offensive potential but still has defensive concerns, or seek another player for the position. Trent Grisham is not expected to return in 2027. YES Network’s Jack Curry described Jones as the leading contender, while saying the team would examine ways to improve the position.

Available free agents include Lane Thomas, Tyrone Taylor, Daulton Varsho, Luis Robert Jr., Cedric Mullins and Myles Straw. The choices are limited, though Thomas can play all three outfield spots and Taylor has experience in New York from his time with the Mets.

If the Yankees are not ready to hand Jones the job, they could pursue a player in a similar tier to Young. The team’s next move could depend on whether it prefers a modest addition or trusts Jones as its regular center fielder.