Downs’ Journey to the Yankees
In an unexpected turn of events, a player born in 1998 and named after the legendary Derek Jeter is set to don the New York Yankees’ uniform. Jeter Downs, a first-round pick in 2017 by the Cincinnati Reds, made his MLB debut against the Yankees’ rival team. Coincidentally, he even recorded his first MLB hit against the Yankees. It is worth noting that Downs shares a birthday with Jeter’s longtime frenemy, Alex Rodriguez.
Yankees Claim Downs Off Waivers
The Yankees announced on Tuesday morning that they have claimed Jeter Downs off waivers. Downs was initially traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Red Sox in a significant trade. However, the Red Sox designated him for assignment in 2022, leading him to spend last season with the Washington Nationals, who also designated him for assignment just last week. Seizing this opportunity, the Yankees decided to bring Downs to their team.
A Familiar Connection
Jeter and Downs crossed paths in 2020, where the Yankees icon had the chance to meet the young player. Jeter extended his well wishes to Downs when he received the call to join the big leagues. This serendipitous connection between the two namesakes adds an intriguing layer to this story.
A Promising Future
At the age of 25, Jeter Downs has already participated in 20 MLB games, but his performance at the plate has been less than stellar with a batting average of .182. However, it is worth mentioning that his only home run came against the Bronx Bombers themselves. In contrast, Derek Jeter enjoyed a remarkable 20-year career with a batting average of .310 and ranks sixth in MLB history with a staggering 3,465 hits.
Stay updated with Fox News Digital’s coverage and subscribe to their newsletter for the latest updates on Jeter Downs and the world of baseball.