Young's early years in the majors were marked by his time with the Rangers, where he quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher. In 2005, he posted a solid season with a 12-7 record and a 4.26 ERA, which caught the attention of the San Diego Padres. The Padres acquired him in a trade, and it was in San Diego that Young truly began to shine. During his tenure with the Padres, he became known for his effective fastball and deceptive delivery, which helped him achieve a career-best 3.12 ERA in 2007. That same year, he was selected to the National League All-Star team, a testament to his growing reputation as a skilled pitcher.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Young's career. He faced several setbacks, including shoulder issues that limited his playing time. Despite these challenges, he continued to persevere, signing with the New York Mets in 2011. His time with the Mets was marred by injuries, but he managed to make a comeback with the Seattle Mariners in 2014. That season, Young demonstrated his resilience by posting a 12-9 record and a 3.65 ERA, earning him the American League Comeback Player of the Year award.
Young's career took another positive turn when he joined the Kansas City Royals in 2015. His experience and leadership proved invaluable to the team, particularly during their postseason run. Young played a crucial role in the Royals' bullpen, helping them secure the World Series title that year. His performance in the playoffs, including a win in Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Mets, underscored his ability to perform under pressure.
After his stint with the Royals, Young continued to play for a few more seasons, including a return to the Padres in 2017. However, recurring injuries eventually led to his retirement from playing in 2018. Despite stepping away from the field, Young's love for the game remained evident. He transitioned into a front-office role, taking on the position of Vice President of On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball. In this capacity, he worked on various initiatives to improve the game and ensure its integrity.
In December 2020, Young returned to the Texas Rangers, this time as the Executive Vice President and General Manager. His extensive experience as a player provided him with valuable insights into team management and player development. Young's career in baseball, both on and off the field, reflects his enduring connection to the sport and his ability to adapt to new challenges.
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