Alexander Young: Everything you need to know

Young (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Wednesday. Young spent the 2025 campaign in the Reds organization but didn't appear in a game after suffering a season-ending elbow injury during spring training. It's unknown where he currently sits in his recovery, but the Nationals will have him begin his ramp-up process in the Florida Complex League. Once the 32-year-old is built up, he will likely report to Triple-A Rochester and could eventually claim a spot in Washington's bullpen if he pitches well in the minors.

Young revealed in a post on his personal Instagram account that he underwent season-ending surgery on his left elbow March 31. The exact nature of Young's procedure isn't known, but the 31-year-old revealed in his social media post that doctors informed him that he had been unknowingly pitching with a distal tear in his left elbow for the past nine years. His surgery should provide a permanent fix for the compromised ligament, but it's not clear if Young will be back to full health by the time spring training rolls around. Young is under contract on a minor-league deal with Cincinnati and will have the ability to elect free agency after the season.

Young traveled back to Cincinnati be examined by the Reds' orthopedist to determine whether he needs Tommy John surgery, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. It's not clear when Young was injured, but he last appeared in a Cactus League game March 8 and was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday. The Reds should have more information on his status later this week.