Delmon Young, Orioles Finalize $2.25M, 1-Year Contract
BALTIMORE (AP) — Outfielder Delmon Young has finalized a $2.25 million, one-year contract to play a second season with the Baltimore Orioles.
In his debut with the Orioles in 2014, Young batted .302 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 83 games in 2014. He was most productive as a pinch hitter, going 10 for 20.
Young saved his biggest hit for the postseason, driving in three runs with a pinch-hit double in a comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers.
The loss of free agent outfielder Nick Markakis to Atlanta could lead to extended playing time for the 29-year-old Young, according to Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette.
"Delmon Young is an accomplished major league hitter who had a nice year with a lot of clutch hits in part-time duty in 2014," Duquette said. "We look forward to his return and contribution to our 2015 team. Depending on how the team is structured, he could have a more vital role this season."
Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first overall pick in the 2003 amateur draft, the 29-year-old Young has a .283 batting average over 1,066 games.
Young can make an additional $750,000 in bonuses based on plate appearances: $125,000 each for 250 and 300, and $100,000 apiece for 400 and each additional 50 through 600.
To make room for Young on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment Friday. Lavarnway was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs last month.
Laranway became expendable after free agent catcher J.P. Arencibia agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training camp.
Arencibia hit .177 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 63 games with Texas last year. He spent the previous four years with Toronto.
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