Jeter Downs

Downs made his major-league debut in 2022 but played in only 14 games and went 6-for-39 with 21 strikeouts. The departure of Xander Bogaerts in free agency should move Trevor Story to shortstop, leaving the Red Sox without a clear long-term answer at the keystone. However, Christian Arroyo was solid in a utility role last year and should be the Opening Day starter at second base. Downs spent his second straight season with Triple-A Worcester and had an uninspired .197/.316/.412 slash line in 81 games. He had a strong 11.8 percent walk rate and poor 29.6 percent strikeout rate, which was actually an improvement upon his 2021 figure. Downs simply has too much swing-and-miss at the highest level of the minors, and that flaw was quite apparent during his brief time in the big leagues. He was claimed off waivers by the Nationals in December after being designated for assignment by the Red Sox, and he's likely to receive another look in the big leagues at some point in 2023.

Downs' fantasy stock saw a slight bump when he was shipped from a crowded Dodgers roster to a Red Sox roster with no clear second baseman of the future in the infamous Mookie Betts trade. Downs doesn't have a true standout tool, but he is pretty good at everything. While he doesn't have crazy raw power, he is strongly built and has a very quick bat with a knack for elevating the ball, which translates to at least above-average game power. Similarly, he is not a burner, but makes good reads on the bases, allowing him to project for 15 steals per season. While he only has 12 games at Double-A under his belt, his time at the alternate site amounts to him completing Double-A from a developmental standpoint. Players like Christian Arroyo and Michael Chavis are hanging around, but they won't stand in Downs' way when the Red Sox think he is ready to take on the everyday duties at the keystone sometime this season.

The Reds made a win-now trade last offseason to acquire a package headlined by one year of Yasiel Puig, and while it looked questionable at the time, it looks awful now. Downs, a toolsy middle infielder who headlined the Dodgers' return, developed into a top-50 prospect after the trade. He made adjustments early against Cal League pitching and hit .313/.398/.594 with 24 home runs, 19 steals, an 11.9 BB% and 18.1 K% over his final 101 games, including a 12-game stint at Double-A to close the year. His 36.8 Hard% was particularly impressive for an up-the-middle defender in his age-20/21 season. Downs is not a true burner, but he has a 75% success rate on stolen-base attempts in pro ball, so that should remain a part of his game. Defense may not be his calling card, but he should be able to handle several infield positions adequately. This offseason's trade to the Red Sox makes his path to everyday playing time much clearer, as he should slot in as their everyday second baseman when he is ready.

A middle infielder who makes the most of his 55-grade speed thanks to his high baseball IQ, Downs has a pretty high floor and counting stat upside that should excite dynasty-league owners in this speed-starved environment. He notched a 118 wRC+ in the Midwest League -- the best mark in the league among middle infielders under 20 years old. Downs has a good handle of the strike zone (103:52 K:BB in 524 PA) and developing power. Some evaluators believe he will develop a plus hit tool, but the jury is still out on that aspect of his game. He is a career .260 hitter and slashed just .242/.328/.392 in 355 at-bats against right-handed pitching last year. If he mashes lefties but is mediocre against same-handed pitching, it will be difficult for him to hit much better than .250 or .260, but there is still time for him to improve that aspect of his game. Evaluators seem split on his ability to stick at shortstop, but he will definitely be able to handle second base.

The Reds selected Downs with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2017 draft, giving him a slightly under-slot $1.8225 million bonus. He doesn't have as much upside as their 2016 compensatory pick, Taylor Trammell, but he is still somewhat interesting in dynasty leagues. He ranked first among teenagers in the Pioneer League with a 0.84 BB/K (next closest was 0.71), so his command of the strike zone appears to be very advanced. His power is mostly to the pull side, and he appeared to be trying a little too hard to get to it last year. If he takes what pitchers give him, he should be able to hit for a high average, but it will of course come at the expense of some power. He stole eight bases on 13 tries, and will likely be capped in the 10-to-15 steal range by the time he reaches the majors. The Reds will keep him at shortstop for now, but he is probably a better long-term fit at second base.