Ex-Red Sox Top Prospect Officially DFA'd By NL East Club After Inconsistent Season

One former member of the Boston Red Sox likely will be looking for a new home after being designated for assignment.

Former Red Sox infielder Jeter Downs spent the 2023 campaign in the Washington Nationals organization but now may find himself playing elsewhere in 2024. Downs had a roller coaster of a season and saw time in the Florida Complex League, in High-A, in Triple-A, and even at the big league level. 

Downs had an inconsistent season in the Nationals' organization and now officially has been designated for assignment, according to the club. 

"The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on one-year contracts with right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro and third baseman Nick Senzel on Tuesday," the team said. "Additionally, Washington designated infielder Jeter Downs for assignment. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements."

Being designated for assignment doesn't necessarily mean that Downs won't be back with Washington next year. Washington now has one week to trade him or other clubs can put waiver claims in on him. If he goes unclaimed over the next week, he could return to the minor leagues with Washington or enter free agency.

Downs played six games at the big league level with Washington last season and collected two hits in five at-bats along with two stolen bases.

At one point, he was the No. 2 prospect in the Red Sox's farm system after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the trade centered around star outfielder Mookie Betts. He is just 24 years old and certainly has upside but things haven't worked out at the big league level so far.