Yankees DFA former first-round pick in favor of Brewers INF with latest roster move

Out goes one former first-round pick, in comes one former second-round pick! The New York Yankees' 40-man roster carousel is in full force with spring training underway, and the team made a move on Wednesday.

After claiming infielder Jahmai Jones off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, the Yankees designated infielder Jordan Groshans for assignment. Groshans was a former first-round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays, so some fans were hoping for a fun revenge factor in 2024 (even though it was slim).

Groshans also grew up a Yankees fan, so there was that charming storyline. Perhaps he returns to the organization, but that'll take a few days as the waiver process unfolds.

Instead, Jones, a former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, will join the Yankees in camp down in Tampa. The former Angel, Oriole, Dodger and Brewer has logged 36 career MLB games and could very well stick around as roster fodder so the Yanks have someone to DFA should a better opportunity present itself.

Yankees continue 40-man roster tinkering after claiming infielder from Brewers

Jones last appeared in the bigs in 2023, logging just seven games with the Brew Crew. He did, however, maintain a .293 batting average and .970 OPS in 62 Triple-A games with the Dodgers last year (though that was in the hitter-haven Pacific Coast League).

The Brewers DFA'd Jones a week ago to make room for pitcher Brandon Woodruff, so he just missed the chance to prove something at camp. The former top prospect is out of options, so he'll need to make an impact fast or likely face the same fate with the Yanks.

Jones best work during his professional career has come at Triple-A, so he's right on the cusp. He's entering his age-26 season, though, so the time to snag that inside track is now.