Jacob Young might not be the long-term answer in center field for the Washington Nationals, but if management wants to move him, they might need a crowbar to get his glove off him. Young put on an absolute defensive clinic again on Sunday during the Nationals’ game against the Miami Marlins, delivering a highlight-reel grab that showcased exactly why he’s considered one of the flashiest and best defensive center fielders in all of Major League Baseball.
The Catch That Broke the Internet
In the third inning at loanDepot Park, Marlins outfielder Heriberto Hernández absolutely smoked a hanging slider from Nationals pitcher Jackson Kent. The ball launched deep to left-center field. It looked like a no-doubter, at least a run-scoring extra-base hit, maybe even a home run. But Young, the 27-year-old defensive wizard, had other plans. He ranged over with incredible speed, perfectly judged his distance from the outfield wall, and timed an absolutely flawless jump. Channeling his inner Spider-Man, Young climbed that wall, reaching up to snag Hernández’s fly ball for what can only be described as a spectacular catch. Nationals TV analyst Kevin Frandsen was screaming with delight, calling it the “Catch of the year, baby!” And honestly, who’s going to argue with that?
The Metrics Don’t Lie, Neither Do the Repeats
What makes this particular play even more insane? Alternate camera angles actually showed that Young probably didn’t rob Hernández of a true home run. The ball was set to land below the top of the wall. But that detail takes absolutely nothing away from the sheer athleticism. Think about it: the ground he had to cover, running from straight-away center field all the way to the wall in left-center. Then he still had to time that insane jump, scale the wall, and reach up for the catch. Without that, the ball is gone, plain and simple. Young isn’t just about flash either. He routinely grades out by advanced metrics as one of the top five defensive center fielders in baseball. This season alone, he’s credited with 1 Defensive Run Saved and a ridiculous 12 Outs Above Average, ranking him third among MLB center fielders in OAA and fourth with a 7.6 Defensive WAR. Fans have seen it game after game. Last season, on September 21, 2025, Young made national news with two memorable catches in a 3-2 win against the New York Mets at Citi Field. He once dropped a deep drive from Brett Baty, then incredibly kicked the ball while it was still airborne, and caught it before it hit the ground. Later, in the ninth inning, he went to left-center again to rob Francisco Alvarez of a game-tying home run with a leaping catch at the outfield wall. Sound familiar? After his wall-climb, Young doubled Otto Lopez off at first base. The Marlins shortstop, understandably, thought the ball would either be a home run or out of reach, and he was at third base when Young made a relay throw back to the infield for an easy out.
Young’s glove and incredible defensive range are clearly enough to keep him as a major force on the field. The guy isn’t just making plays, he’s making statements. With his consistent highlight-reel defense and stellar advanced metrics, every game Young plays is a chance to see another impossible grab. What kind of madness will he pull off next? You absolutely have to tune in.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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