Young Named AL Comeback Player Of The Year, Future With Mariners Uncertain

(1090 The Fan) — Starting pitcher Chris Young had one of the best seasons of his career in 2014 after roughly seven years of various injuries and struggles on the mound. The 35-year-old right-hander was formally recognized for his comeback Monday by the Sporting News as the American League’s 2014 Comeback Player of the year.

The 6’10” starter returned to Major League Baseball for the first time since 2012 to go 12-9 with a 3.65 ERA (67 ER, 165.0 IP) in 30 games with the Mariners — 29 of which were starts.

“I am extremely honored to be named Comeback Player of the Year by the Sporting News,” said Young in a release. “There are many deserving players who have demonstrated the commitment, dedication and perseverance to overcome similar obstacles and I am humbled to be recognized amongst them. The life lessons I have learned throughout this experience are invaluable and will stay with me the rest of my career. Furthermore, I hope that I can serve as inspiration to other players in the same manner in which I was inspired to pursue my comeback. I am extremely grateful to my teammates, coaches, the Seattle Mariners organization and my family, as each and every member contributed to my success.”

From 2009-2012, Young made just 42 Major League starts battling various shoulder injuries.

One question many fans are asking is if there is a spot in the rotation for Young in 2015 — and will he be worth the price tag?. Young told Greg Johns of MLB.com says Young figures to have more suitors and an increased salary via free agency given his overall 2014 showing. Johns notes that Young has gone on the record saying he loves Seattle, the team, the staff, the organization and Safeco Field. “There’s not a negative here,” Young told Johns. “This place is unbelievable.”

it should be noted, however, Young’s triumphant year ended with a rough stretch. In his final five outings, he went 0-3 with an 8.35 ERA — and manager Lloyd McClendon even scratched Young from his final start because he believed the righty had run out of gas. While some agree with McClendon, others worry whether Young can do another full season.

As of right now, there are realistically only two spots that could be available in Seattle’s five-man rotation. Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma and James Paxton are more than likely going to be the 1-2-3.

“We’ll see what happens,” Young told Johns. “I’m excited with what I accomplished and finishing the season healthy. I’ll take a little time off now and then get back to being able to actually have an offseason to train and strengthen vs. rehab. I’m excited about that. I feel like next year will be a great season to build on this one in terms of being 100 percent, fully strong and healthy and having a base built up before I come in.”

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