Career Timeline of Chris Young (pitcher): Major Achievements and Milestones

How Chris Young (pitcher) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Chris Young is a former MLB pitcher and current president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers. He played from 2000-2017 for several teams, including the Rangers, Padres, Mets, Mariners, and Royals. A right-handed pitcher, Young was an NL All-Star in 2007 with the Padres and won a World Series with the Royals in 2015. Following his playing career, he worked in the MLB front office before joining the Rangers as general manager in 2020. In November 2024, he was promoted to president of baseball operations.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 27, 1961: Dave Sisler's Game Against the Detroit Tigers

On August 27, 1961, Dave Sisler, a Princeton baseball player, started a major league game and gave up six earned runs in just over four innings against the Detroit Tigers.

May 6, 1983: Bob Tufts' Final Game for the Kansas City Royals

On May 6, 1983, Bob Tufts played his final game for the Kansas City Royals, marking the last appearance by a Princeton baseball player in a major league game until Chris Young's debut.

June 2000: Drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates

In June 2000, Chris Young was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the draft.

2000: MLB Career Start

In 2000, Chris Young began his Major League Baseball career as a right-handed pitcher.

2000: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 2000, Chris Young was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the MLB draft and later signed to a deal on September 6.

2001: Hickory Crawdads Season

In 2001, Chris Young played for the Hickory Crawdads, going 5-3 with a 4.12 ERA in 12 starts.

June 2002: Completed Degree at Princeton

In June 2002, Chris Young completed his degree in politics at Princeton and became a full-time professional athlete.

2002: League Title with Hickory Crawdads

In 2002, Chris Young helped the Crawdads to the league title with an 11-9 record and a 3.11 ERA.

June 2003: Promotion to Harrisburg Senators

In June 2003, Chris Young was promoted to the Harrisburg Senators of the Double-A Eastern League.

2003: Brevard County Manatees Season

In 2003, Chris Young joined the Brevard County Manatees and posted a 5-2 record with a 1.62 ERA.

April 3, 2004: Trade to the Texas Rangers Organization

On April 3, 2004, Chris Young was traded by the Montreal Expos to the Texas Rangers organization.

August 2004: MLB Debut

In August 2004, Chris Young debuted with the Texas Rangers after professional experiences in the Pirates, Montreal Expos, and Texas Rangers minor league systems.

August 24, 2004: MLB Debut

On August 24, 2004, at the age of 25, Chris Young made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers.

2006: Young's Breakout Season

2006 was Chris Young's breakout season, marked by a 3.46 ERA, a career-high 169 strikeouts, an 11-5 record, and leading the National League with a 2.41 road ERA. During 2006, he led the majors in stolen bases allowed, with 41.

2006: Near No-Hitter Against Pirates

In 2006, Chris Young had a no-hitter through 8+1⁄3 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates before Joe Randa hit a two-run home run.

2006: Major League Leader and Pitcher of the Month

In the 2006 season, Chris Young led the major league in opponent batting average, hits per nine innings, and road ERA. He was also named National League Pitcher of the Month for June.

2006: Postseason Victory in Game 3 of NLDS

On October 7, 2006, Chris Young earned a 3–1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, pitching 6+2⁄3 shutout innings. Chris Young's 6-0 road performance in 2006 was one of 49 undefeated road seasons with at least five victories by a pitcher since post-season play began in 1903.

September 11, 2007: Ross Ohlendorf's Debut for the New York Yankees

On September 11, 2007, Ross Ohlendorf, another Princetonian, debuted for the New York Yankees, joining Chris Young in the major leagues.

2007: Home ERA Title

In 2007, Chris Young defended his opponent batting average and hits per nine innings titles, and won the home ERA title.

2007: MLB All-Star Game Selection

In 2007, Chris Young was elected to the MLB All-Star Game as a first-time All-Star via the All-Star Final Vote.

2007: All-Star Player

In 2007, Chris Young was named a National League All-Star player as a member of the Padres.

March 31, 2008: Tim Lahey on Philadelphia Phillies Roster

On March 31, 2008, Tim Lahey, a Princetonian, was on the Philadelphia Phillies roster from the team's Opening Day.

April 5, 2008: Tim Lahey leaves Philadelphia Phillies Roster

On April 5, 2008, Tim Lahey was removed from the Philadelphia Phillies roster without making an appearance.

January 17, 2011: Signed with the New York Mets

On January 17, 2011, Chris Young signed a contract with the New York Mets for $1.1 million, with incentives that could increase the value up to $4.5 million.

April 5, 2011: First Career Start with the Mets

On April 5, 2011, Chris Young made his first career start with the New York Mets, pitching five and a third innings with seven strikeouts in a 7–1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He also went three for three at the plate with two runs batted in against Cole Hamels, becoming the first Mets pitcher to record two hits in a single inning.

March 26, 2012: Signed Minor League Deal with Mets

On March 26, 2012, Chris Young signed a minor league deal with the Mets, following surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his right shoulder.

June 5, 2012: Return to the Mets

On June 5, 2012, Chris Young made his return to the Mets against the Washington Nationals, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) over 5 innings.

2012: Mets Teammate

In 2012, Chris Young was teammates with Jon Rauch on the New York Mets.

February 21, 2013: Signed Minor League Deal with Washington Nationals

On February 21, 2013, Chris Young signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals and received an invitation to their training camp.

March 26, 2013: Granted Unconditional Release

On March 26, 2013, Chris Young was granted his unconditional release by the Washington Nationals after opting out of his contract.

April 4, 2013: Re-signed by Nationals

On April 4, 2013, Chris Young was re-signed by the Washington Nationals and assigned to Triple-A Syracuse.

November 19, 2013: Re-signed with Nationals on Minor League Deal

On November 19, 2013, Chris Young re-signed with the Washington Nationals on a minor league deal after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

March 25, 2014: Released by Nationals

On March 25, 2014, Chris Young was released by the Washington Nationals.

March 27, 2014: Signed with Seattle Mariners

On March 27, 2014, Chris Young signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners.

March 7, 2015: Signed with Kansas City Royals

On March 7, 2015, Chris Young signed with the Kansas City Royals and entered the season in the long reliever role.

December 7, 2015: Signed Two-Year Contract with Royals

On December 7, 2015, the Royals announced that they had signed Chris Young to a two-year $11.75 million contract.

2015: World Series Win

In 2015, Chris Young was a member of the World Series winning Kansas City Royals team.

June 23, 2017: Designated for Assignment by Royals

On June 23, 2017, Chris Young was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals and immediately released.

December 29, 2017: Signed Minor League Contract with Padres

On December 29, 2017, Chris Young signed a minor league contract with the Padres.

2017: MLB Career End

In 2017, Chris Young's Major League Baseball playing career ended.

March 31, 2018: Released by Padres

On March 31, 2018, Chris Young was released by the Padres.

May 14, 2018: Moved into MLB Administration

Effective May 14, 2018, Chris Young moved into administration as the vice president, on-field operations, initiatives & strategy under MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre.

May 2018: Became MLB Executive

In May 2018, Chris Young became an MLB executive when he was promoted to serve as vice president of on-field operations, initiatives and strategy.

February 2020: Promoted to Senior Vice President

In February 2020, Chris Young was promoted to senior vice president to replace Joe Torre as the MLB's enforcer of discipline action. He also oversaw the On-Field Operations and Umpiring Departments.

December 4, 2020: Named General Manager of Texas Rangers

On December 4, 2020, Chris Young was named general manager of the Texas Rangers.

2020: Rangers General Manager

In 2020, Chris Young became the general manager of the Texas Rangers.

September 13, 2024: Contract Extension and President of Baseball Operations

On September 13, 2024, Chris Young and the Texas Rangers agreed to a multi-year contract extension and he was given the additional title of President of Baseball Operations.