**Yankees Release Infielder , Who Will Join Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks**
On Tuesday, the New York Yankees announced the release of infielder Jeter Downs, who is set to join Japan’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Downs, 25, was once a highly regarded prospect, selected 32nd overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2017 MLB Draft. His minor league career included stints with multiple organizations due to significant trades, including a notable seven-player deal that sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This trade also involved Alex Verdugo and Connor Wong moving to the Boston Red Sox.
Downs did not meet the high expectations placed on him. Over the past three years in the minors, he posted a .200/.309/.365 batting line with a wRC+ of 80. In 2023, he was placed on waivers by the Red Sox and briefly claimed by the Washington Nationals. While with Washington, Downs played six games, hitting .400 and stealing two bases before being designated for assignment in December.
Throughout the 2023 season, Downs spent the majority of his time in the minors, where he batted .222 with three home runs, 20 RBIs, and 11 steals in 60 games across Triple-A Rochester, FCL Nationals, and High-A Wilmington. He was named Jeter by his mother, born three years after Derek Jeter’s MLB debut.
The Yankees are also active in the trade market, having recently acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins. They are reportedly interested in adding infielder Yandy Diaz and pitchers Blake Snell and Jack Flaherty. Strengthening the infield is a priority for the Yankees, given the struggles of veterans Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu this season.
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