Tigers sign former Yankees utility player who has close ties to Detroit

After promoting several of their top prospects as part of the 2024 youth movement, the Detroit Tigers have begun taking measures to replenish the upper levels of their farm system.

According to a report from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have signed utility player Jahmai Jones to a minor-league contract for 2025. His contract is worth $810,000 at the MLB level and includes a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. As of now, he will be assigned to Triple-A Toledo.

Jones, a right-handed hitter, has appeared in 69 games in his MLB career, playing for four teams in four seasons. He most recently appeared in 33 games for the New York Yankees in 2024, slashing .238/.304/.381 while striking out in 34% of his plate appearances before being designated for assignment in July (he returned to the organization after clearing waivers).

Jones' career MLB numbers are far less impressive, including a .198 batting average and a 35.8% strikeout percentage, but his minor-league performance has been solid. In 34 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as part of the Yankees system last season, he hit .304 with four home runs, 11 walks and 25 strikeouts in 119 plate appearances, stealing 10 bases in 11 attempts.

Jones has yet to stick at the big league level, but he has prospect pedigree as a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Angels in 2015. He is universally adored by his teammates and fans, becoming a cult favorite in New York for his chest bump celebration with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.

While he is expected to begin the season in Toledo, Jones will likely get some Major League innings in 2025 as well. His primary position is second base, but he can play nearly every position on the field. He will be a good catch-all option for the Tigers in the event that they need to make a midseason promotion due to injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

Tigers' newly-signed Jahmai Jones has family connections to Detroit

Jones comes from an athletic family, as his father and brothers played professional football. His father, Andre, and brother, T.J. both played in the NFL, while his other brother, Malachi, played in the Arena Football League.

In fact, Detroit sports fans should already be familiar with the Jones family. Andre played six games for the Detroit Lions as a linebacker in 1992, while T.J. played 42 games for the Lions as a wide receiver from 2015-18. Now, another member of the family will get the chance to make his mark in the Motor City in 2025.

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