Who will be the Yankees’ shortstop in 2015 when Derek Jeter is living in his St. Jeters-burg palace and not in pinstripes anymore? Here’s a look at five possible replacements:
Stephen Drew
The most obvious answer since he still is on the market. If the Yanks sign Drew to a multi-year contract, they could rotate him between second base, third base and shortstop in 2014 then have a natural replacement for Jeter at short after that.
J.J. Hardy
The Orioles shortstop, who will be a free agent after this season, has hit at least 22 homers in each of his three seasons in Baltimore. Actually, it’s a deep crop of 2014 free-agent shortstops — Hardy, Hanley Ramirez, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jed Lowrie and Jimmy Rollins.
Jose Reyes
This one would hurt Mets fans deeply, but it certainly is plausible. Reyes is signed for another four seasons, but the Blue Jays were a massive disappointment last year and could blow up their core if they struggle again. Other trade candidates include Texas’ Elvis Andrus and the Cubs’ Starlin Castro since both teams have elite prospects pushing them.
Eduardo Nunez
Could the Yankees keep it internal? Nunez, 26, hasn’t proven he can be an everyday player yet but has explosive talent. As for 2010 first-round pick Cito Culver, he’s not considered the successor.
Alex Rodriguez
Is it possible A-Rod could replace Jeter in 2015 when the banished star is eligible to play again? Highly, highly doubtful. But it would be tremendous theater.