Jimenez inks free agent deal with New York Yankees
Golden Eagle standout returns home to get an opportunity to earn a spot with storied MLB franchise
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Start spreading the news – Tennessee Tech's Jorsixt Jimenez will be trading the Purple and Gold for pinstripes as he signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees on Monday.
It's a dream come true for the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic native, who also grew up in Queens and spent time at Queens College in New York. The Yankees are also his favorite team.
"I'm really excited for him," said Tech baseball head coach Matt Bragga, who was able to coach the Golden Eagle star outfielder for two seasons. "He's a great young man and an incredible worker.
"JJ has earned this opportunity. He has had the dream of playing professional baseball for a long time, and because of his relentless work ethic and determination, that dream has become a reality! He is truly one of the greatest players in the history of this amazing program. I can't wait to watch his future unfold!"
Jimenez had a tremendous season with the Golden Eagles as he was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and a first-team selection on the Ohio Valley Conference all-conference teams. His season numbers put him among the greats in program history as he hit .401 on the year, blasting 20 home runs while producing 69 RBI, 55 runs scored and 81 total hits. He also put together an .817 slugging percentage and a .483 on-base percentage.
Recently, Jimenez finished second in the college division of the CHIPS Performance Home Run Derby in Omaha, preceding the College World Series.
Jimenez had a veritable mantle full of awards. In addition to his 2026 accolades, he was a National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association honorable mention All-America after being named to the All-East Region first team, as well as by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association, while also garnering second team All-East Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings. He also had first-team nods by all three groups in 2023 as he was the East Coast Conference's Rookie of the Year in 2023.
He becomes the 59th player in program history to sign a professional contract as he tries to earn his way to the show.
The Yankees presently have six minor league teams – FCL Yankees (Rookie, Florida Complex League; Tampa), DSL Yankees (Rookie, Dominican Summer League; Boca Chica, Santo Domingo), Tampa Tarpons (Single-A, Florida State League, Tampa), Hudson Valley Renegades (High-A, South Atlantic League; Wappingers Falls, NY), Somerset Patriots (Double-A, Eastern League; Bridgewater Township, NJ), and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A, International League; Moosic, Pa.)
