Wyatt Young, SS/2B
B/T: L/R Ht: 5’7 Wt: 170 LBS
Age: 12/5/1999 (22 years old)
Acquired: 2021 Mets 15th round draft pick (Pepperdine University)
2021 Stats (FCL Mets): .370/.426/.478, 8 2B, 3B, 13 RBI, 4 SB, 2 CS
The sparkplug from Honolulu, Wyatt Young was apparently on the Mets radar in a significant way in last years draft. The Mets were very excited when they were able to select the Pepperdine University shortstop, likely due to his sure glove at the 6 position as well as his long track-record of hitting.
While the diminutively-framed Young’s bat does not possess much extra-base power, he continued to hit when arriving for Florida Coast League rookie ball action after the draft.
Young chokes up on the bat and stays quick to the ball, yet still keeps his bat head through the zone for a long time, also using a slight leg kick to assist in weight transfer. This allows him to shoot doubles into both outfield gaps. His swing, size and approach all reminisce of the Mets Luis Guillorme at the dish.
On defense, Young draws praise for his sure-handed play on the dirt showing good footwork and actions but only fringe average range and arm strength. Clearly, his defensive fit is on the middle-infield, and with a hit tool in tow, that represents a nice player in this part of the draft. Watch him make a tremendous play in the hole below.
One Day 3 pick that the #Mets really liked is SS Wyatt Young in the 15th round from Pepperdine.
Tommy Tanous said they played the draft board to get him, fingers crossed he would land. He hit .332 as a junior. Pick made by SoCal area scout Glenn Walker. pic.twitter.com/IjV0EV0RVs
— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) July 14, 2021
Young’s physical tools are in no way going to be mistaken for those of Bo Jackson, but they always say, the most important tool is hitting the baseball. Could Wyatt Young’s hypothetical ceiling look something like former quality big leaguer and winning player, David Eckstein?
I don’t see why not.
