Nationals Sign Outfielder Jacob Young to Four-Year Deal With 2031 Option

Jacob Young agreed to a four-year contract with the Washington Nationals that includes a team option for 2031.

The Washington Nationals and outfielder Jacob Young have agreed to a four-year contract extension that runs through the 2030 season. Announced Wednesday by president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, the agreement includes a club option for 2031. This deal arrives shortly before the expected Dec. 1 expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Young, who turned 27 in July, recorded a .252 batting average during the 2026 season. He established new career highs with 10 home runs and 50 RBI, a significant increase in power after entering the year with only five home runs across 1,006 career major league plate appearances.

Defensively, the center fielder ranked third in the National League for both runs prevented and outs above average. A Gold Glove Award finalist in 2024 and 2025, Young is recognized by the organization as one of the premier defenders in Major League Baseball. Toboni cited the outfielder's offensive development in 2026 as a primary factor in securing his role with the franchise for the next several years.