Alex Young has found a home with the Cincinnati Reds‘ bullpen. He signed a minor league deal with them in the offseason that included an invitation to spring training. He made the Opening Day roster, and has become that crafty left-hander that has earned the confidence of manager David Bell.
Once a Top Prospect
Ranking as high as No. 5 in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Young was a highly thought of prospect. After signing with them, he spent five years in the minors as a starter. In his debut with the Diamondbacks in 2019, he pitched five innings, and picked up the win. He ended the 2019 season having pitched 83 1/3 innings over 17 games with a record of 7–5, and an ERA of 3.56.
Bounced Around
Alex Young has found a home after being a journeyman pitcher. He tussleed with a 2–6 record and 6.26 ERA with the Diamondbacks in 2021. The Diamondbacks designated Young for assignment in July. Later that same month, the then Cleveland Indians claimed him off of waivers.
Young was designated for assignment, yet again, by the newly named Cleveland Guardians, and was out-righted to Triple-A Columbus. Young was traded to the San Francisco Giants on July 18, 2022. He was then was non-tendered, and became a free agent in December, and the Reds signed him with an invite to spring training this past January.
Arsenal of Pitches
Although his fastball is below 90 mph, he still holds a wide variety of pitches in his arsenal. He relies on his curveball and sinker, and mixes in a slider and considers those pitches his biggest strengths used for strikes.
Young credits the Giants’ pitching development staff for helping him find his changeup. He also gives them credit for getting him back on a major league roster. He worked diligently with the Giants’ minor league pitching coaches, and big league pitching coach Brian Bannister. Young seemed to come into his own after his changeup turned into a strikeout pitch. He was able to post a 2.39 ERA over 24 appearances.
Strong Spring Training
The Reds did not have much left-handed bullpen help last season. With his career-best 54.2% ground ball-rate and not allowing a single home run, it made perfect sense for the Reds to sign him. Plus, Young made a convincing case with impressive numbers while in camp. He did everything right to make the team with his pitching arsenal with his slider, changeup, and fastball.
Very Good Numbers
Alex Young has found a home with the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen, and is putting up some very good numbers. They could certainly use his help if they want to compete in the NL Central. So far, he has pitched 35 2/3 innings, and won three games. He also picked up his first career save, has 34 strikeouts and a 2.52 ERA. The Reds have been a surprise this season, and are looking to stay in first place in the NL Central. Young will be counted on even more to continue maintain his numbers, and he will be counted on even more to protect the lead for closer Alexis Diaz.
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