Welcome back Delmon Young

Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

With Christmas Day being tomorrow, the Baltimore Orioles decided to get their fans an early Christmas gift this morning as it was reported Delmon Young and the Orioles have reached on an agreement for a one-year deal worth $2.25 million, which could reach $3 million in incentives.

Being that the Orioles were in need of a designated hitter, this is a big signing. Young was not an everyday player in 2014. Only appearing in 83 games last season, it would be tough to stay in a rhythm at the plate for any player. However, that was not the case for Young.

In 255 plate appearances, he batted .302/.337/.442 with 11 doubles, 7 home runs and 30 RBI. Young’s numbers were even better at Camden Yards. In 139 plate appearances at Camden Yards, Young batted .316/.345/.481 with four home runs.

Young was that player who manager Buck Showalter could trust in to get that much needed base hit with runners in scoring position.

That was the case in Game 2 of the ALDS when Young came through in the clutch with the Orioles’ biggest base hit of the year and arguably of the century. Down 6-4 with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning, Young pinch hit for third baseman Ryan Flaherty. Young wasted little time and connected on a slider that just hung enough over the top of the plate.

Young’s line drive, bases-clearing double into left field put the Orioles up 7-6 which would prove to be the decider ad give the Orioles the 2-0 lead in the series.

In his career in the Postseason, Young has made a living of coming through in clutch situations and 2014 was no different.

Defensively, Young can surprise you. Although he is a little bigger than your typical outfielder, he can still track fly balls down and make a diving catch more often than not. In 2014, he owned a 1.000 fielding percentage with 32 putouts and four assists in 28 games played in the outfield.

In terms of what this means for the roster, the Orioles will need to clear a spot for Young on their 40-man roster.

Now resigned for 2015, Orioles fans can expect to see a lot more of No. 27 as it appears the Orioles have found their designated hitter for the upcoming season who could also make a couple occasional starts in the outfield.