Nationals claim former Red Sox No. 1 prospect

The Red Sox shockingly designated Downs for assignment last week. Downs, ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Red Sox's system and as high as No. 44 in MLB back in 2020, now finds himself with his fourth organization since being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft. 

The Reds dealt Downs to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, along with Homer Baily and Josiah Gray, in exchange for Kyle Farmer, Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Alex Wood. After thriving with the Dodgers at the lower levels of the minor leagues, two seasons later, Downs was the centerpiece of the package that helped the Dodgers land All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts in a trade with the Red Sox. 

Following the cancelation of the 2020 minor league baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Sox immediately promoted Downs to AAA Worcester for the 2021 season. However, Downs didn't fare well at AAA, slashing .193/.292/.368 with 230 punchouts over 740 plate appearances with Worcester. 

Downs did display the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark at the AAA level, smashing 30 home runs over 180 games. 

Despite his struggles at AAA, Downs made his Major League debut in June for the Red Sox. In a small sample size, the 24-year-old went 6-for-39 at the plate with a double, a home run, and four RBI over 14 games. 

For the Nationals, snatching up Downs is a low-risk, high-reward move. Meanwhile, it could be a better look for the Red Sox, who voluntarily walked away from a former top prospect they greatly coveted only three seasons ago.