LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jacob Young agreed to terms on a long-term contract with the Washington Nationals, president of baseball operations Paul Toboni announced Wednesday.

It's a four-year deal through the 2030 season with a club option for 2031 for the defense-first outfielder whose hitting appears to be improving.

“Already one of the top defenders in Major League Baseball, we all saw the significant step forward Jacob took offensively in 2026 and we anticipate continued development in the years to come,” Toboni said in a statement. "He is a tremendous representative of the organization and we are excited to have him in the fold for the next several years.”

Young, who turned 27 in late July, set a career high with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs this year while batting .252. He entered the season with five home runs in 1,006 plate appearances in the majors.

He finished third among NL center fielders in outs above average and runs prevented. He was a Gold Glove Award finalist in 2024 and '25.

The contract comes weeks before owners are expected to lock out players when the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, putting next season in jeopardy.

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