KANSAS CITY -- This was not the ending that Christopher Young and Royals general manager Dayton Moore wanted.
Young was designated for assignment on Friday, capping a 2 1/2-year stint with the club, which was highlighted by a 2015 World Series championship and an unforgettable parade through downtown Kansas City.
Young got the news, in person, from Moore after the GM invited him to his house. It was a difficult decision to part ways with Young because Moore holds the right-hander in the highest esteem.
While some general managers might have delivered the bad news by cell phone, Young -- who had a 7.50 ERA in 14 games (30 innings pitched) for the Royals this season -- appreciated the man-to-man conversation with Moore.
"Dayton is a special man," Young told MLB.com. "Anybody in baseball can vouch for that. And I will include the Glass [club ownership] family in that, as well.
"This is a first-class organization and the tone is set at the top."
Young will leave Kansas City with a great appreciation for the community.
"I really appreciate all the support from Royals fans," Young said. "When we got here, we didn't know what to expect. But the fans really welcomed us to Kansas City and embraced us. I'm forever grateful."
Moore, as he has done often, referred to Young as the "MVP" of the 2015 staff when Young went 11-6 with a 3.06 ERA, often shifting seamlessly between the bullpen and the rotation. In Game 1 of the World Series, Young threw three scoreless frames in extras to tally the victory as the Royals beat the Mets, 5-4, in 14 innings.
"As time goes on, we'll be able to appreciate what we accomplished," Young said. "When you're in the moment, you really can't appreciate it because you're still striving to repeat or compete for that title again."
With that sentiment, Young, 38, said he plans to continue pitching if he is claimed or signed by another team.
"Physically, I feel good," Young said. "My arm feels good. I don't foresee this being the end. I'm still capable of competing at a high level. Possibly a change of scenery might help."