Tigers steal Aaron Judge's celebration partner in Yankees' chemistry blow

The New York Yankees lost a wave of depth to minor-league free agency in recent weeks, but some sentimental fans held out hope that one departure wasn't going to be permanent.

After all, utility man Jahmai Jones seemed to truly enjoy being in the Yankees' system, so much so that we lobbied for him to spend the World Series in the dugout, so long as DJ LeMahieu was doing the same as an unrostered player. Though he was a casualty of the first wave of Triple-A cuts, it seemed possible he'd return on a minor-league pact and receive a non-roster invite to spring training.

Despite limited reps (42 at-bats), he still hung around on the Yankees' active roster through the summer, a remarkable achievement in the day and age of roster churn. That had to count for something.

Unfortunately, the Yankees' divorce became official on Wednesday when Jones signed with the upstart Detroit Tigers. It's a minor-league deal that can escalate to $810,000 if he makes the MLB roster, which means Aaron Judge will have to find a new dugout partner to bump chests with.

Either that, or he'll demand a trade to the Tigers.

Yankees lose Jahmai Jones to Detroit Tigers after minor-league free agency

Jones wasn't a terribly productive "last man on the bench" for the Yankees last season, but what he lacked in counting numbers he made up for in charisma.

Ultimately, he recorded 10 hits in a scant 42 at-bats at the big-league level, recording one homer, posting a .685 OPS, and playing a notable role in an undermanned victory in Kansas City in early June, helping to whack around Cy Young hopeful Seth Lugo.

After finding his way to Triple-A, Jones hit .304 with an .880 OPS in 34 games. He'll now likely boomerang between Toledo and Detroit, serving as an effective catch-all bridge who can play nearly any position. Winning baseball teams employ glue guys like Jones, as the Yankees learned all too well last summer.

The Tigers are in a solid position to take advantage of his value next season, too. Just don't tell Judge, or he may halt the Yankees' dominance of the AL Central out of good will.