The Braves signed speedy outfielder Eric Young Jr. to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, where he’ll compete for a job and could be another option to serve in a left-field platoon with Jonny Gomes.

Young, 29, hit a career-worst .229 with 16 extra-base hits (one home run), a .299 on-base percentage and 30 stolen bases in 100 games for the Mets last season, after leading the NL with 48 steals in 2013 for the Rockies and Mets.

He hit .249 with 36 extra-base hits (seven triples, two homers) in 148 games during that 2013 season, when Young had almost twice as many plate appearances (598) as he got in 2014.

The switch-hitter has a .252 average and .320 OBP with 54 doubles, 18 triples and eight home runs in 1,589 plate appearances during six seasons with the Rockies and Mets, along with 138 steals in 171 attempts. Young has been caught stealing just 18 times in 126 attempts against right-handed pitchers, including three in 31 attempts last season.

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