Jared Young Stuns in Mets Debut, Launches Game-Changing Homer—What’s Next for New York’s New Power Bat?

QUEENS, N.Y. — Jared Young’s journey from the Doosan Bears of the KBO back to Major League Baseball reached a new crescendo at Citi Field on Tuesday night when the 29-year-old left-hander crushed a two-run homer to right, his first big-league blast since 2023 and his first in a Mets uniform. Called up over the holiday weekend, Young already carried momentum after torching Triple-A pitching for a .926 OPS, six homers and 23 RBI in just 26 games with Syracuse. Manager Carlos Mendoza is determined to keep the Canadian slugger in the lineup while the club searches for a stable left-handed designated-hitter option. “It’s about getting him into a rhythm and letting the damage come,” Mendoza said. A friendship forged overseas • Young and left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell first bonded as teammates in Seoul last season, sharing apartments, restaurants and late-night phone calls about life in Korea. • Both signed minor-league pacts with New York in December and, in a quirky twist, were summoned to the majors on the same morning, car-pooling from Syracuse to Queens together. Why the Mets believe 1. Strike-zone command: In his first six MLB plate appearances this year, Young worked four hitter’s counts (2-0 or 3-1), a trait the club values as it battles on-base woes. 2. Positional flexibility: Besides DH duties, he can spell Pete Alonso at first base and handle either corner-outfield spot, giving Mendoza matchup wiggle room. 3. Lefty thump on demand: With Jesse Winker sidelined by an oblique strain, Young’s pull-side power provides an immediate platoon advantage versus right-handed pitching. What’s next The Mets plan to keep penciling Young into the middle of the order during the current homestand against the White Sox and Giants. A productive week could cement his role even after Winker returns, while extended struggles may reopen the revolving door at DH. For now, however, Citi Field finally has reason to buzz about a fresh left-handed bat—one whose path stretched from Prince George, British Columbia, through Seoul, and now to Queens, where Jared Young is intent on proving he’s here to stay.