Jared Young showed his home-run power at the World Baseball Classic last week against the United States when he hit a pitch from Lance Lynn, one of the best pitchers on the planet, and drove it over the right field fence.
It was the only run Canada scored in a 12-1 loss to a U.S. team loaded with future Hall of Famers but for Young, that hit, in front of 30,000 fans and a worldwide TV audience, was something he'll never forget.
“That was a pretty awesome moment for myself and I’m glad my family was there to see it, kind of one of those things where I hope I did Canada and Prince George proud,” he said.
Canada went 2-2 in the tournament, opening with a wild 18-8 win over Great Britain. They followed the loss to the U.S. with a 5-0 win over Colombia, then were eliminated with a 10-3 loss to Mexico.
“I just know we had a good team and I know we surprised some people, but I think we had a better team than we played,” said Young. “I think in three years when the next one comes around we’ll really open some eyes and I’m really looking forward to that one.”
The whole WBC experience, getting to know his teammates and the coaching staff playing for Canada against international teams was one the 27-year-old Chicago Cubs prospect hopes to live again in 2026.
“Playing in the big leagues and playing for Team Canada has to be the two that, as a baseball player, you dream of, and being able to check that box was something pretty special,” said Young.
Young will start the season playing for the triple-A Iowa Cubs when they face Columbus on March 31.
