Phillies Sign Outfielder Delmon Young

Outfielder Delmon Young has agreed to a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Phillies, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.  The contract includes performance bonuses.

Young made 6.75 million last year with Detroit. Per Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the deal could max out at $3.5 million if he reaches all incentives based on plate appearances and roster bonuses.

Back in October, I listed five under-the-radar players for the Phillies to pursue - Delmon Young made that list.

As I stated then: Young is not a very good outfielder, serving as the Tigers DH for most of the season.  His 162 game averages are pretty solid during his seven year career; .284, 16 home runs and 89 RBI.  He played just 32 games in the outfield this season, but has played in 724 in his seven seasons.

He had a great postseason with Detroit this past season, hitting .359 (11 for 31) with three homers and seven RBIs in the ALCS and World Series.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. hopes to add a corner outfielder prior to spring training and confirms that he has been in touch with Young's representatives.

(Listen to Ruben Amaro Jr. on the Sports Bash)

The Yankees had interest in Young, they were looking to add a right-handed hitter with some pop, but had to pass because Young is a poor defensive outfielder and there are too many other players on the New York roster who require regular appearances at DH.

While Young could be a useful bat against left-handed pitching, it's safe to say, he is a pretty big liability defensively.

For those wondering why Young is still on the market after a hot playoff run and solid season in Detroit; Young recently underwent surgery to remove bone spurs and smooth out cartilage in his ankle, so he wasn't expected to sign anywhere until January.

So where would he fit in in Philadelphia in the National League if he can't play the field, would Young be a good fit for the Phillies crowded, but unproven outfield?