Yankees Claim Top Prospect Red Sox Acquired In Mookie Betts Trade After Tough Season

It sounds like one former Red Sox top prospect is getting a fresh start with the Yankees

The New York Yankees certainly have been busy this offseason.

New York has made headlines left and right as it has looked to improve its roster after winning just 82 games last season. The Yankees have made some major statements by acquiring superstar slugger Juan Soto along with former Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo and two-time Gold Glove Award winner Trent Grisham.

While the Yankees still are looking to make big moves and are heavily pursuing Orix Buffaloes star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it looks like New York is looking to add more depth with big-league experience, as well. 

New York did just that Tuesday as the club officially claimed former Red Sox top prospect Jeter Downs off waivers from the Washington Nationals, according to the club. 

"Earlier today, the Yankees claimed (infielder) Jeter Downs off waivers from the Washington Nationals," the club said.

Downs notable was the top prospect acquired from the Red Sox in the club's trade of star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Boston dealt Betts away and landed Verdugo, Downs, and catcher Connor Wong. Now Verdugo and Downs are both with the Yankees organization while Wong remains with Boston. 

At one point Downs was the Red Sox's No. 2 prospect, but things didn't pan out after he was called up to the big leagues. He struggled offensively over his last two years in the Boston system and was designated for assignment before the 2023 campaign. 

Downs landed with the Nationals ahead of the 2023 season and appeared in six games at the big league level and logged two hits in five at-bats. He struggled at the minor league level and slashed .222/.363/.356 in 60 total games in the minors and recently was designated for assignment by Washington. 

At this point Downs is more of a depth piece for the Yankees but there is no way for sure to know what will happen. He is just 25 years old and at one point was a high-ranking prospect. Maybe New York can get him back on track.

More MLB: Red Sox Target Yoshinobu Yamamoto Will Make Decision Soon; Could Boston Actually Land Him?