Yankees DFA Ex-Red Sox Top Prospect After Surprisingly Short Stint In New York

The New York Yankees made a move involving a former member of the Boston Red Sox on Friday afternoon.

New York claimed former New York Mets utility man Diego Castillo and designated former Red Sox elite prospect Jeter Downs for assignment to make room on the roster, according to the club. 

"Earlier today, the Yankees claimed (infielder/outfielder) Diego Castillo off waivers from the New York Mets," the club said. "To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated (infielder) Jeter Downs for assignment."

New York claimed Downs off waivers from the Washington Nationals earlier this offseason. The 25-year-old was one of Boston's top prospects at one point but hasn't panned out at the big league level yet.

Downs struggled after debuting with Boston at the big league level in 2022 and was designated for assignment at the end of the season. He was claimed off waivers by the Nationals and spent the 2023 campaign in the organization. 

The young infielder appeared in 51 games with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings and hit three home runs, drove in 18 RBIs, and slashed .236/.358/.379. He appeared in six games at the big league level and collected two hits in five at-bats.

Now Downs will look for a new home. The young infielder still has plenty of upside and is just 25 years old but he likely will need to find another minor league deal this offseason. Hopefully, he can find another opportunity soon and work his way up to the big leagues.