Ex-Red Sox Top Prospect Makes Insane Circus Catch In Spring Training Start For Nationals

One former Red Sox player started spring training off with a bang

Baseball officially is back. 

Spring training officially kicked off early last week and now the Grapefruit League also is in full swing with games beginning Feb. 25. It's sure to be an interesting month as Major League Baseball veterans look to prepare for the 2023 campaign and prospects look to carve out roles with the big league clubs. 

One player who has had a roller coaster offseason and is hoping to have a solid offseason is former Boston Red Sox infielder Jeter Downs. Boston designated Downs for assignment to open up a roster spot for new outfielder Masataka Yoshida leading the former first-round draft pick to be claimed by the Washington Nationals. 

Downs wasted no time in making his presence felt for Washington and made one of the most impressive catches you'll likely see in spring training in his first appearance Sunday. 

WHAT A PLAY BY JETER@jeter2downs // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/RdqqpTccVN

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 26, 2023

Downs earned the start for Washington at shortstop Sunday and with the club clinging to a one-run lead in the third inning with two outs. Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker popped the ball into no man's land in the outfield and the young infielder sprinted and somehow was able to track and snag the ball with one of the most impressive over-the-shoulder catches you'll likely see this spring. 

The 24-year-old was acquired by Boston in the team's deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that featured former American League Most Valuable Player Mookie Betts but never was able to fully find his footing with the club.

Downs made his MLB debut with Boston in 2022 and in 14 games slashed .154/.171/.256 to go along with one home run and four RBIs. The infielder also struggled with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox in 2022 and slashed .197/.316/.412 in 81 games while clubbing 16 home runs and driving in 33 runs. 

There's no way to know for sure if he will have a role with the Phillies moving forward, but if he's able to have a solid spring maybe we will see him with the big league club when Opening Day rolls around. 

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