The New York Yankees have made another significant move to bolster their roster, announcing on Tuesday that they have claimed infielder Jeter Downs on waivers from the Washington Nationals. This acquisition comes just weeks after the Yankees traded for outfielder Alex Verdugo, making it the second time they have acquired key pieces from the Boston Red Sox's 2020 trade of Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Though Downs, who shares his name with Yankees' legendary shortstop Derek Jeter, has limited Major League experience, he has already made an impact against the Yankees earlier in the season. In a game between the Red Sox and the Yankees, Downs recorded his first career hit and RBI, ultimately scoring the winning run on a hit by none other than Alex Verdugo. His first Major League home run also came in the Bronx, making for a memorable start to his career.

Downs, who can play shortstop, third base, and second base, had a brief stint with the Nationals in 2023, appearing in six games and posting a solid .400 batting average with four runs scored, an RBI, four walks, and two stolen bases. However, he was designated for assignment by the Nationals, opening up the opportunity for the Yankees to claim him on waivers.

The 25-year-old spent the majority of this season in the minors, playing in 60 combined games with the Triple-A Rochester, FCL Nationals, and High-A Wilmington. He hit .222 with three home runs, 20 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases.

In his short Major League career spanning two seasons with the Red Sox and Nationals, Downs has recorded a batting average of .182 with one home run and five RBIs in 20 games.

Interestingly, Downs, who was born three years after Derek Jeter's big league debut, was named after the Yankees' iconic shortstop by his mother, despite his father being a Red Sox fan. Downs has always considered himself a Yankees fan and had a memorable encounter with Jeter in 2020. While stuck in traffic, Jeter waved at Downs after his brother honked the horn, and Downing later had the chance to speak to him via FaceTime.

Downs has expressed his admiration for Jeter, stating that meeting him was a special moment for him and that he has idolized the former Yankees captain his whole life.

With his move to the Yankees, Jeter Downs now has an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his namesake and make his mark on the storied franchise. Yankees fans will be eager to see his development and how he contributes to the team's success in the future.