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As the Washington Nationals enter a critical offseason, president of baseball operations Paul Toboni is focused on advancing the franchise's rebuild. While free agency is a primary avenue for adding talent—especially with the possibility of increased spending—the trade market could also be a fruitful path for improvement.
One player who might attract attention is Jacob Young, a two-time Gold Glove finalist known for his exceptional defense in center field. Young showed significant growth at the plate in 2026, making him an appealing trade candidate for teams seeking an upgrade.
Yankees' Prior Interest in Young
According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post (subscription required), the New York Yankees have previously expressed interest in Young. However, Sherman does not specify whether actual trade discussions occurred or when the interest was shown. Nevertheless, it indicates that multiple teams have identified the 27-year-old as a desirable addition.
The Nationals loosely shopped Young last offseason, with Toboni and his front office gauging the market to determine potential returns. At the time, interest levels were unclear. Now, after a season in which Young slashed .252/.318/.390 with career highs in home runs (10), extra-base hits (35), RBIs (50), and OPS+ (94), teams may view him as more than just a defensive specialist—perhaps as an everyday center fielder.
Why the Nationals and Yankees Could Match Up
From New York's perspective, the need for a center fielder is evident. Trent Grisham is set to become a free agent after a disappointing 2026 season in which he struggled both offensively and defensively, making a re-signing unlikely. The Yankees might also be reluctant to hand the everyday job to former top prospect Spencer Jones, and Cody Bellinger profiles more as a corner infielder at this stage of his career. Additionally, with Aaron Judge's increasing age and declining health, New York must improve its defensive floor in center field.
Young fits that need perfectly. With multiple years of club control remaining—he becomes arbitration-eligible starting in 2027—he would provide stability in center field while the Yankees' young players develop. As a result, Washington could command a strong package in return for Young.
But why would the Nationals consider such a move? For one, the Dylan Crews situation remains a pressing concern. While Crews didn't have the breakout season many expected in 2026, he did show growth, particularly against left-handed pitching. Although he is not as gifted a defender as Young in center field—few are—Crews remains an above-average defender with a high floor. By giving Crews more consistent playing time, the Nationals might finally unlock the potential that made him one of baseball's top prospects during his minor league ascent.
Furthermore, trading Young could net Washington additional future pieces or even win-now players from New York. The Nationals must be creative in improving their roster, and while increased spending is hoped for, it's not guaranteed. Dealing Young to an outfield-needy team like the Yankees could allow Washington to acquire players who could firmly place them in the wild card mix in 2027.