Downs is signing with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in Japan. The 26-year-old is a former top prospect that has slashed 264/.360/.498 with 10 homers and 15 stolen bases over 69 contests with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Downs, 25, actually had a shot at earning a reserve role on the team’s Opening Day roster with a strong showing in Grapefruit League action. He was off to a slow start though, hitting just .231 (3-for-13) with a pair of doubles and three RBI. He’ll continue to function as extra depth at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to open the season.

Downs predictably passed through waivers unclaimed and will remain with New York as extra organizational infield depth. The 25-year-old former top prospect simply hasn’t hit at the highest level, registering a .533 OPS across 50 plate appearances in the big leagues.

Unfortunately, Downs stay on New York’s roster appears to be over before putting on a Yankees uniform. There’s always the possibility he goes unclaimed on waivers and sticks around as extra organizational depth.