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Washington Nationals Give RHP Chris Young His Unconditional Release; Roster Now At 30

Veteran right-hander Chris Young opted out of his contract with the Washington Nationals last night and this morning the team announced that they had granted the 33-year-old starter his unconditional release, freeing him up to sign with one of the teams he said last night had expressed interest in his services. The Nats' roster now stands at 30.

By Patrick Reddington
USA TODAY Sports

When 33-year-old, nine-year veteran Chris Young signed with the Washington Nationals earlier this Spring, agreeing to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, the right-hander had a clause in the contract that allowed him to opt out after March 24th if he didn't seem likely to make the defending NL East Champion's Opening Day roster. Young told reporters upon joining the Nats that he was finally healthy two years after surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his right shoulder. The Nationals' rotation was set, however, barring any injuries, setbacks or hiccups, so the possibility of the starter cracking the OD roster seemed to be a longshot. Young saw the writing on the wall and last night opted out of the deal, telling reporters he had interest from other teams around the league.

Before he made the decision to opt out of the deal, Young threw 4.0 innings against the Houston Astros last night giving up two hits, a walk and one unearned run in a 62-pitch start. In 16.0 Grapefruit League innings this Spring, Young allowed 11 hits, seven walks and five runs, four earned, while striking out nine. Young told reporters last night that his agent had discussed a deal that could potentially keep him in the Nationals' organization, and as CSN Washington's Mark Zuckerman wrote on Twitter Monday night, the Nats could have added the right-hander to their roster if they planned on keeping him in the organization:

Though Young was in camp with Washington this morning, the Nationals have reported that they have now given the right-hander his unconditional release:

According to report from MLB.com's Bill Ladson, no deal with another team is imminent:

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