Yankees Sign Jimenez as Free Agent, Bringing Purple-and-Gold Star Back to the Bronx

Photo / TTU Athletics

Cookeville, TN - Start spreading the news: Tennessee Tech outfielder Jorsixt Jimenez is officially trading the Purple and Gold for pinstripes after signing a free agent contract with the New York Yankees on last Monday.

The move caps a long-held dream for the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic native—who also grew up in Queens and spent time at Queens College—and who has long counted the Yankees among his favorite teams.

“I'm really excited for him,” said Tennessee Tech head coach Matt Bragga, who coached Jimenez 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.”

Jimenez’s breakthrough season with the Golden Eagles fueled the opportunity. A Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist and a first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, he posted standout numbers that placed him among the program’s best in multiple categories. He hit .401 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI, adding 55 runs scored and 81 total hits. His power and discipline translated into an .817 slugging percentage and a .483 on-base percentage.

He also built momentum on the national stage, finishing second in the college division of the CHIPS Performance Home Run Derby in Omaha—an event that came just before the College World Series.

Accolades have followed Jimenez throughout his career. In addition to his 2026 honors, he earned National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association honorable mention All-America recognition after being named to the All-East Region first team. He was also recognized by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association, the American Baseball Coaches Association, and Rawlings, while previously securing first-team honors across all three groups in 2023. That season included being named East Coast Conference Rookie of the Year.

With his signing, Jimenez becomes the 59th player in Tennessee Tech program history to land a professional contract as he works to earn his way to the major leagues.

The Yankees currently operate six minor league affiliates: FCL Yankees, DSL Yankees, Tampa Tarpons, Hudson Valley Renegades, Somerset Patriots, and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders—providing a clear pathway for Jimenez as he begins his professional journey.