Jahmai Jones DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen writes that Detroit Tigers designated hitter Jahmai Jones could be a dark-horse candidate to make the Opening Day roster if outfielder Parker Meadows (arm) opens the year on the injured list. Outfielder Ryan Kreidler, who can also play shortstop in a pinch, is another option. However, Jones is a utility player that has spent most of his time in the outfield in spring training while playing well early in camp. The 27-year-old had a .925 OPS in just 25 plate appearances against lefties in 2024 and also had an .883 OPS against lefties at Triple-A. He isn't currently on the 40-man roster, but his ability to play the outfield and hit lefties could give him the edge. If the Tigers bring in a right-handed batter who can also play center field before spring training ends, though, Jones could be ticketed for Triple-A Toledo to begin the year.

The Detroit Tigers signed infielder/outfielder Jahmai Jones to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to camp. The 27-year-old last played with the Yankees in 2024, having logged just 47 plate appearances this season in 33 games, slashing .238/.304/.381 before he was sent down to Triple-A in August for the rest of the season. The former second-round draft pick hit well at Triple-A, batting .304 with an .880 OPS while adding 10 steals in 34 games, and owns a career slashline of .259/.351/.756 in the minors, but has yet to translate that to the big leagues. There are financial incentives in his contract if he makes the big league roster out of camp, but regardless, he'd likely be no more than a platoon player. If Jones were able to work his way into an everyday role, then presumably he'd be hitting and, combined with his speed, he could be an impactful fantasy asset. But that is a big 'if' at this point.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that catcher Ben Rortvedt and outfielder Jahmai Jones remain in the mix for Opening Day roster spots. Austin Wells has already made the team, but the Yankees could carry Rortvedt as their third catcher to begin the season. Jose Trevino is the club's other backstop. The 26-year-old Rortvedt is out of minor-league options, so the Yankees may not want to risk losing him to another club. He hit just .118/.241/.221 with two homers in 32 games for the Yanks in 2023 and is unlikely to see much playing time in 2024 for the Bombers. Jones, 26, has looked overmatched in 36 big-league games over three seasons after he was a second-round pick by the Angels in 2015. However, he's intrigued the Yankees as a bench option this spring by hitting .286 with a home run, four RBI and a steal in 14 Grapefruit League games.