Eric Young Jr. (22) gives the Braves another option in the outfield. Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves signed outfielder Eric Young Jr. to a minor-league contract on Friday with an invitation to spring training.
Young was non-tendered by the New York Mets in December before landing with Atlanta, where he could be used as a platoon outfielder, pinch hitter or pinch runner.
The 29-year-old Young’s greatest attribute is his speed, which has allowed him to steal 76 bases the past two seasons.
In 100 games last year with the Mets, the switch-hitting Young batted .229 with one home run, 17 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. He is a career .252 batter with eight homers, 83 RBIs and 138 stolen bases in six years with the Mets and Colorado Rockies.
