Mets acquire Young from Rockies for McHugh

ATLANTA -- In their continued quest for outfield improvement, the Mets acquired Eric Young Jr. from the Rockies late Tuesday night in exchange for right-handed pitcher Collin McHugh. Young will report to the big league team in Atlanta, possibly in time for Wednesday's game against the Braves.

Young, 28, is capable of playing all three outfield positions as well as second base. He hit .242 with one home run and eight stolen bases in 165 at-bats this season, before Colorado designated him for assignment on June 12. The New Brunswick, N.J., native is a career .261 hitter with 70 stolen bases in 313 games for the Rockies.

The Mets also recently designated McHugh for assignment, making them logical trade partners with the Rockies.

In New York, Young could see regular playing time at any outfield position, also potentially giving the Mets the type of speed they have lacked at the leadoff position. Advanced metrics peg him as a slightly below-average defender in the outfield.

To make room for their newest player, the Mets designated Collin Cowgill for assignment, essentially cutting ties with him despite his remaining Minor League options. Cowgill, 27, hit .180 in 23 games for the Mets, rapping out two hits in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader.

McHugh, 25, went 0-1 with a 10.29 ERA in two relief appearances and one start for the Mets, unable to capitalize on the 2.87 mark he posted in nine outings for Triple-A Las Vegas. The Mets designated McHugh for assignment on Saturday to make room for reliever Carlos Torres.