The Boston Red Sox went on a tear before the All-Star break — as they've done in many recent seasons — to inch closer to playoff contention as the trade deadline looms. On July 14, during the break, Boston added to its roster to brace for a tough run to the trade deadline.
The Red Sox have traded for outfielder/designated hitter Jahmai Jones from the Detroit Tigers for a Player To Be Named Later, first reported by Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. The Tigers designated Jones for assignment on July 9 after he batted .137/.219/.221 over 57 games during the first half.
There was an open spot for Jones on the Sox's 40-man roster after they DFA'd Danny Coulombe on July 12. Jones has no minor league options left, so he'll need a spot on the 26-man roster by the time play resumes following the All-Star break.
The Los Angeles Angels drafted Jones in the second round of the 2015 MLB Draft and he made his big league debut with them in 2020. He's since appeared in the big leagues for the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Tigers.
Red Sox trade for recently-DFA'd Tigers righty outfielder/DH Jahmai Jones
Jones had the best season of his career with Detroit last year, to the tune of a .287/.387/.550 slash line with seven homers and 23 RBI over 72 games. One hundred four of his 129 at-bats last season came against lefties and he posted a stellar .393 on-base percentage against them.
Boston's trade for Jones comes days after the team got an update from a hand specialist on Roman Anthony's injury. The sophomore reportedly doesn't need surgery and his recovery can continue as normal, but it's taking longer than the Red Sox expected. His rehab has been moved to Florida to hopefully expedite the process. Jones represents solid outfield depth in the meantime.
The Red Sox have a history of acquiring former Yankees players and helping them break out. Rob Refsnyder is the best example, as he hit his career prime with Boston at age 31, while Garrett Whitlock, Aroldis Chapman and others have followed the same path. Jones could be the next breakout Yankee-turned-Red Sox to get under New York's skin.
If not, it will still be nice to have a righty outfielder on deck while Anthony recovers, in case of an injury to another one of the Sox's outfielders. The Tigers have been in a similar position to the Red Sox all season long — they've underwhelmed after making the playoffs last year — but Boston is finally taking off enough to justify trading for reinforcements. Hopefully, there will be more to come as the trade deadline approaches.
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