A nasty clash with Nolan McLean ended Jared Young’s 2026 campaign, leaving him unconscious and on a stretcher. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo says the first baseman Jared Young is healing well and should report to Spring Training.
He dealt with a concussion, plus neck and ear problems, and his hearing hasn’t fully returned yet, though he expects it soon. The moments after the hit remain a blur.
How fast baseball can become life‑or‑death, Young told DiComo. It was terrifying, but it’s real. I was focused on getting a hit that morning, dreaming of a homer and celebration. Then it switched to just wanting to get home.
The injury cut short a promising rookie year. Young posted a .266/.330/.429 line over 103 games, his first real stretch in the majors. He made the Opening Day roster, then slipped in April with a knee issue that required surgery, only to return late May as the everyday first baseman and DH.
For my money, his breakout was just beginning.
He filled in as regulars fell ill, covering for Jorge Polanco and Mark Vientos. Polanco, expected to replace Pete Alonso at first, was limited to 37 games by wrist and ankle woes. Vientos broke his hand before the All‑Star break and didn’t reappear until August’s final day.
Polanco still has a year left on his $40 MM contract and will compete for first base in 2027. Vientos remains a viable corner‑infielder. Should the Mets move Polanco, Marcus Semien, or Francisco Lindor, or if Bo Bichette opts out, openings could surface, likely giving Young a chance next season.
Will Young seize a regular role when the roster shifts?