In a tale of perseverance, legacy, and athleticism, Quentin Young etched his name in Monticello history by becoming the first-ever player from Monticello High School to be selected in the MLB Draft. Picked 54th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins, Young’s ascent is a testament not only to his raw talent but to the strong baseball lineage he hails from.
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A Legacy Reimagined
The Young name already holds significant weight in baseball circles, thanks to former major leaguers Dmitri and Delmon Young—Quentin’s uncles—who combined for 23 seasons, over 9,500 major-league plate appearances, and more than 2,500 hits . While those past accomplishments speak to family DNA, Quentin’s journey is uniquely his own.
Though his uncles’ careers undoubtedly offered inspiration and insight, Quentin acknowledges a different guiding force in the form of his grandfather, Larry Young. A pioneer in aviation and one of the country’s first African-American F-14 fighter pilots, Larry not only instilled discipline but coached Quentin from the earliest days of his baseball life . “He’s probably been the most important person with the baseball side for me,” Quentin said, underscoring his grandfather’s impact.
Larry’s analytical approach—combining tech, angles, and analytics—has filtered seamlessly to Quentin. As Dmitri noted, it helped transform Quentin into not just a physical talent, but a thinker of the game .
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Physical Tools & On‑Field Arsenal
Standing at 6‑foot‑6 and weighing approximately 225 pounds, Quentin Young defies conventional expectations for his build. Scouts describe him as having “surprising range” for someone of his size, equipped with a strong arm, dynamic athleticism, and elite bat-to-ball power .
To define his ceiling, Young himself cites contemporary phenom Elly De La Cruz—another tall, athletic infielder with dynamic range and serious pop at the plate . While admitting he’s not yet as swift as De La Cruz, Quentin is confident in his capacity to match that explosive profile in time.
Although primarily a high school shortstop at Oaks Christian in California, evaluators project Quentin could evolve into a third baseman or corner outfielder. He rejects that shift, however, eagerly proclaiming his intention to remain at shortstop as long as possible .
“Players put him anywhere,” Dmitri commented, “but the more he plays, the more that baseball instinct shows up” . That combination of size, tools, and instincts earned him a top-60 ranking among 2025 prospects, leading to his selection at No. 54.
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Off‑Field Growth & Competitive Edge
Quentin’s development extended beyond high school diamonds. He participated in MLB Develops events and competed on the USA Baseball 18U National Team—programs that sharpen not just physical skill, but media savvy, professionalism, and maturity .
His dedication during the COVID‑19 pandemic was particularly noteworthy. Opting to repeat a school grade to refine his baseball skills, he then reclassified back into the 2025 draft class after demonstrating he could handle older competition . As Dmitri recounted, that time was pivotal; Quentin “sprouted physically” and solidified his confidence .
At the plate, scouts have graded him with a 60-grade power tool—indicating legitimate potential for game-changing power. Quentin’s simple offensive mantra speaks volumes: “get a good pitch and crush it… try to hit a hard line drive up the middle” .
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Impact on Monticello & Beyond
By becoming the first Monticello player drafted, Quentin establishes a path for future athletes from his hometown. His success could draw attention and investment to the program, raising expectations and resources for others to follow.
Within the broader context of baseball’s evolution—from school programs to national development pipelines—his story underscores how talent, when paired with opportunity and determination, breaks through geographical and cultural barriers.
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Looking Ahead
After signing—presumably for a six-figure bonus—the next phase for Young will begin in the Twins’ minor-league system. From there, years of skill refinement, game experience, and personal growth lie ahead.
In the long term, Quentin Young’s goals remain ambitious but grounded. “My goal has always been to play in the Majors,” he stated, noting that signing a pro contract is “one of my greatest achievements for now… and that will just continue into setting goals for the future” .
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Final Thoughts
Quentin Young is more than a draft pick; he’s a symbol of generational progression. The Monticello-area native carried his grandfather’s discipline and tech-savvy, his uncles’ MLB experience, and his own singular talent and vision—all into becoming the first from his town to be drafted.
Standing tall and swinging hard, Young isn’t just continuing a family legacy—he’s blazing a fresh trail for his hometown. And with a powerful arm, elite size, and a calm, focused mindset, he has the tools not just to succeed, but to define a new chapter in Monticello baseball history.
