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The Washington Nationals made another significant long-term commitment on Friday, securing elite defensive center fielder Jacob Young to a four-year extension. The deal, worth $23 million, covers all of Young's arbitration years and his first year of free agency, and includes an $8 million club option for 2031. This move comes after the team previously locked up staff ace Cade Cavalli through the 2026 season.
Young, known primarily for his glove, showed improvement at the plate in 2026 with career highs in home runs (10) and RBIs (50), though his OPS+ of 94 remained below league average. Keeping one of baseball's best defenders on a team-friendly contract is a smart move for the Nationals, but it creates uncertainty regarding the future of former top prospect Dylan Crews, who struggled again this past season.
Dylan Crews Still in Short-Term Plans
As of now, the organization's plan for Crews appears unchanged. According to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic (subscription required), the Nationals are likely to maintain a similar outfield rotation in 2027 as they did in 2026, when Young, Crews, Daylen Lile, and James Wood each recorded 400-plus plate appearances. However, Young's extension signals that Washington views him as their primary center fielder, with 2026 Gold Glove finalist Lile in left and ascending superstar and 2026 Silver Slugger finalist Wood in right. That would leave Crews as the fourth outfielder—a disappointing outcome for the former No. 2 overall pick who was once one of the game's top prospects.
Ideally, Crews breaks out in 2027, giving the Nationals four high-end outfielders—a welcome problem. But with only three outfield spots available, the organization may need to reconsider its long-term thinking regarding Crews.
Could Dylan Crews Become a Trade Asset?
While it would be a stunning development, there is a scenario where president of baseball operations Paul Toboni explores trading Crews. Such a move is unlikely this offseason or during the 2027 campaign, but it could become a consideration if Crews fails to take the next step. Of course, trading him now would mean selling low on a player who was once highly regarded. But if it becomes clear that Crews doesn't have a long-term future in Washington, flipping him for long-term assets might be a path this aggressive front office could take. It would take a lot to reach that point, and the Nationals would prefer not to go there, but it can't be ruled out if Crews underwhelms in 2027, even though he is under club control through 2031.
In the meantime, expect Washington to deploy a similar outfield rotation next year, keeping Young and his new contract on the field as much as possible while giving Crews a chance to break out.