Cincinnati Reds: They possibly have their own “Jeter” in Downs

The Cincinnati Reds missed out on Derek  Jeter

The Cincinnati Reds missed out on future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter in 1992. Furthermore, one Cincy scout was pushing for him, but the team declined and missed. Instead, they took Chad Mottola who was a career .200 batting average. What hurts more is that Cincinnati passed on the legendary shortstop with the number five pick. The Yankees took him sixth. A perfect time for hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley’s famous ” Yuck.”

Also, that pick was even worse off due to the fact that Mottola  accumulated a career -0.9 WAR. Ouch. That is most likely one of the biggest draft mistakes in MLB history. That’s Considering the Captain is going into the Hall and is nicknamed Mr. October. This ancient franchise has turned it around this year by taking a player named Jeter Downs.

The Cincinnati Reds future man at the keystone appreciates Jeter’s legacy

In the 2017 MLB Draft, Cincinnati drafted the young kid at 32nd overall. They signed him below slot value by $260,000. Coincidentally, his name came from the Yankee great. Furthermore, this is Downs response to his name per MLB.com: ” When he came into the big leagues [ in 1995], he was the name. He was the thing. He was shining,” Downs explained… It was my Mom’s turn to pick a name since I was a second child. She just fell in love with Jeter and the way he played, his humbleness, how he carried himself on and off the field. ” It’s a great thing to see in a young player to have that much respect for a Major leaguer, and coming to terms on how his name came to be. The teenager already has the deep knowledge of what his name means to him and his family.

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This will help him in the long run, as he will have the great work ethic like his idol. Here is a quote about Downs’s work ethic and how it parallels to the Captain per MLB.com: ” That’s how I pride myself. I try to do the right thing on and off the field, whether it’s baseball-related or out with friends or helping somebody out on he street. It’s kind of ironic that I have the name because that’s exactly the person I model myself after.”

That just shows what a good head this kid has on his shoulders. he already shows the humility and positive presence. He should bond in the young and hungry clubhouse of the Reds on his arrival. Let’s look into his skillset.

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Cincinnati’s prospect is consistent on both sides of the ball

Jeter Downs is known for being good on both ends of his game. The bat has developed nicely as well as his play at short. This season, he is hitting .265 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs. He has only had 68 plate appearances in rookie ball. The Miami native’s glove has improved, and even before that he was viewed with a plus arm. Even with those short statistics, the right handed hitter can produce line drives and generate consistent contact. For his position, Downs has decent pop. He has range at the keystone and can make the eye-popping play. Once he grows into his frame and matures, the power will come. He isn’t the fastest player, but he is aggressive around the bases and can disrupt the defense.

Next: Who's headed out the door?

Overall the Reds made a smart play by drafting the young infielder. They signed him below slot value, and his potential could become a bargain in the near future. He is a good person with the right mind. Hopefully this time Cincinnati doesn’t miss on Jeter.