The Yankees have claimed former top-prospect Jeter Downs to their 40-man roster. Here’s why the move could make Brian Cashman look like a genius.
Claiming Jeter Downs Works for the Yankees
Acquisition
Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees’ active offseason continued when they claimed SS Jeter Downs off waivers on December 19.
Earlier today, the Yankees claimed INF Jeter Downs off waivers from the Washington Nationals.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 19, 2023
Once the #1 prospect for the Boston Red Sox, Downs’ MLB career has had a tough time gaining momentum. Since being a part of the blockbuster Mookie Betts trade in 2020, the prospect has been unable to find an organization to call home – getting DFA’d by both the Red Sox and the Nationals. The 25-year-old shortstop hasn’t had the best of fortune so far, but here’s why joining the Yankees could be his lucky break.
Prospect Career
When the Cincinnati Reds took Downs in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, he was revered for his talents. Scouting reports described Downs as being a plus prospect who had good baserunning and bat-to-ball skills–and it didn’t take long to see why.
In his first full season with Single-A Dayton, Downs swiped 37 bags and had 38 extra-base hits, catching the attention of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was then traded to LA and continued to improve, finishing the 2019 campaign with a .888 OPS.
The following year, the Dodgers shipped him off to Boston and things would not go as swimmingly. He batted below .200 in his two years with the team but earned a 14-game call-up in 2022 that featured at least one highlight moment.
Jeter Downs first MLB home run in 2022 was against a team and pitcher that you might be familiar with pic.twitter.com/doHahmP83s
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 19, 2023
That December, he would be DFA’d and claimed by the Nationals. When he got his brief six-game chance in the pros, he showed promise by batting .400 and stealing two bases.
Now he will suit up for the Yankees in 2023, his fifth organization in six years. But this time there’s reason to believe things will be different.
Why it Works for the Yankees
Jeter Downs excels at something the Yankees sorely fail at – stealing bases. No matter the opponent, the shortstop found a way to keep snagging free bases with his legs, collecting 118 stolen bags so far as a professional. Last year, the Yankees ranked 21st as a team in the category, finishing with 100. By comparison, they were only 90 away from first place with Cincinnati.
The Yankees have been working hard to fix their shortcomings this offseason. They addressed their lack of left-handed hitters by trading for outfielders Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, deepened their bullpen with guys like LHP Victor González and RHP Cody Morris, and have now addressed their speed concerns with Jeter Downs.
The Yankees have not held a championship trophy now in over a decade, not since “The Captain” Derek Jeter wore the pinstripes. With his frenzy of moves, Cashman has been making it clear he wants to end that streak. Adding another Jeter in town might just do that.
