Angels Sign Free Agent Pitcher Completing Incredible Comeback Story

Angels young pitcher has had an incredible journey

As the Angels look to revamp their major league pitching staff, the front office made an interesting move recently, signing 27-year-old right-handed pitcher Christian Young to a minor league deal.

Cool comeback story with the Angels signing 27-year-old RHP Christian Young to a minor league deal. He twice was drafted in junior college, never signed. Was snubbed in the shortened Covid Draft. He spent the past 3 years in independent ball before signing w the Angels.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 16, 2023

Originally from Oakville, a suburb of Toronto, Young has been on quite a journey over the last few years. He was drafted in 2016 by the Oakland A's and again in 2017 by the Cincinnati Reds, but he elected to return to college. 

In 2018, Young pitched at West Virginia and started just three games for the Mountaineers while coming out of the bullpen in 14 more. Although he had a 5.88 ERA, hitters had a batting average of just .220 against him.

Big strikeout for Christian Young! 🔥 He comes in with the bases loaded and gets a strikeout to end the inning.

Time to stretch, WVU trails Baylor 3-1

📺 https://t.co/ovbh3gzJLp#HailWV pic.twitter.com/sheisI6l12

— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) May 18, 2018

The next year, Young pitched for Division II Mercyhurst as a starter, going 6-3 with a 3.55 ERA. Despite his strapping frame (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) and striking out more than a batter per inning, Young went undrafted. 

From 2021-23, Young pitched for the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association. In the last year, he's spent time with the Milkmen and the Puerto Rican Winter League. 

Young appeared in just six games with Cangrejeros de Santurce, but it apparently made a big impression. He struck out 30 batters over 23.2 innings, mostly as a starter, going 2-2 with a 2.28 ERA and .718 WHIP.

While with the Milkmen, Young played in a total of 18 games with a 7-6 record, 3.91 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 94.1 innings pitched. 

Young's hard work over the years has paid off, as now he has a chance to redeem himself to play in the big leagues again.