MLB

Yankees’ speed-freak phenom: I want to be next Derek Jeter

TAMPA — With his speed and athleticism, Jorge Mateo reminds many around baseball of a young Jose Reyes.

The Yankees’ hitting coordinator, James Rowson, likens the 20-year-old to Alfonso Soriano.

But Mateo, a few days away from taking part in his first major-league spring training, is trying to model himself after another familiar face.

It’s the reason he wore No. 2 last year. And though he has yet to meet Derek Jeter, he knows plenty about the player who locked down shortstop in The Bronx for so long.

“I asked for that number,” Mateo said. “I want to do what Jeter did in his career. I watched him all the time. I liked everything about him. I want to do the same things as him.”

First, he’ll have to advance beyond Single-A.

The Dominican native finished last season with Single-A Tampa and figures to start 2016 there as well, so he’s got some work to do before he makes his way north.

In the meantime, he’s part of a group of young shortstops the Yankees have stockpiled in recent years, even before Jeter announced during spring training two years ago that 2014 would be his final season.

They traded for Didi Gregorius to replace Jeter and the organization remains high on him. There also are Tyler Wade, Kyle Holder and Wilkerman Garcia (a prospect from Venezuela who doesn’t turn 18 until April 1).

But the loudest praise comes for Mateo.

“I’m working on consistency,” Mateo said after taking batting practice with fellow prospect Aaron Judge last week. “There are a lot of expectations, but I try not to pay attention. I know people are watching.”

Mateo had just 91 plate appearances at Tampa after being promoted from Charleston in 2015 and had an .826 OPS with Tampa. In 117 games with the two teams, he stole 82 bases.

“He had a great year last year,” said Gary Denbo, the Yankees’ vice president of player development. “He gained a lot of strength and has put himself in position to compete at a high level.”

Just how high remains to be seen for the player signed in early 2012.

It wasn’t long ago the Yankees had a wealth of catchers in their system, and while many are still young — like Gary Sanchez, who could serve as Brian McCann’s backup this season — none has blossomed into a star.

But the Yankees remain optimistic that the collection of shortstops will prove beneficial.

“We went for a long time with one shortstop at the major league level,” Denbo said. “[Jeter] was one of the best. Now, we have good depth, and the good thing about shortstops is that they’re athletes, so they can play all over the field if the position doesn’t open up for them at the next level.”

Mateo already has his eyes on the majors, saying he’s hoping to get to The Bronx this year. A late-season call-up to serve as a pinch runner figures to be his best chance, but he has bigger goals in mind.

“He’s still young, and he’s working on becoming a total baseball player,” Denbo said. “He’s an aggressive player and takes instruction very well.”

Rowson has liked what he’s seen.

“I don’t throw out a lot of comps, but what I think of is Soriano, who I had in Chicago,” said Rowson, who previously served as the Cubs’ hitting coach. “Soriano’s size doesn’t strike you as ‘big guy.’ His frame is wiry, but he created a lot of power because of his hand speed, quickness and strength. I think Mateo is gonna be built similar. He won’t necessarily be the same type of hitter, but he has similar skills.’’

If he has a similar career, the Yankees would no doubt take it.