Player Data: Age: 30 (05/27/1994), B/T: L/L
Primary Stats: 42 G, 37 2/3 IP, 4.54 ERA, 1.248 WHIP, 4-1, 48 SO, 18 BB, 7 HBP
Advanced Stats: 87 ERA+, 29.1% K%, 10.9% BB%, 4.80 xERA, 3.64 FIP, 3.41 xFIP, 0.2 fWAR
2024 Salary: $740,000
The Mets signed Danny Young to a minor league contract for the 2024 season as left-handed pitching depth at the Triple-A level. Young performed well with the Syracuse Mets with a 1.26 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings, albeit with 12 walks and four hit batters.
However, Young would be called into a much-needed role as the Mets lefty out of the bullpen with the season-ending injury and subsequent Tommy John Surgery to Brooks Raley. He showed very little difference in his splits against righties and lefties; however, all seven of his hit batters and all three of his home runs allowed were to right-handed hitters. Young primarily used a sinker/sweeper combo that accounted for nearly 96% of his pitches and, when his sweeper was on, would often make hitters look foolish. The only problem was it led to way too many walks, hit batters and wild pitches.
The 2024 season was a series of highs and lows for Danny Young. He posted a 0.00 ERA in May and July and a 2.45 ERA in August. Unfortunately, he pitched to a 7.56 ERA in June and a 10.57 ERA in September. Despite the solid ERA in August, his control really started to falter as he walked seven batters in 11 innings while hitting two. September and October saw him allow nine runs in 7 2/3 innings, walking three and hitting three batters.
Overall, while his 2024 started out promising, he faltered in September and October and was even left off the roster for the Mets NLWC series against the Brewers and the NLDS series against the Phillies.
Young got into two games in the NLCS against the Dodgers, both in blowouts. Overall, he had a 7.36 ERA in 3 2/3 IP, allowing three runs on four hits while walking three and striking out three.
While he’s still on the roster, Danny Young could eventually be looking for an opportunity with another team, as the Mets will likely look to the free agent or trade market to secure a reliable left-handed reliever. Eventually, the Mets will add to the 40-man roster and fringe players will get cut. Young could be a candidate when the time comes.
While Young by no means had a poor season, as the dog days of summer set in, his performance went down with it.
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