Five Potential Replacements for Derek Jeter
By Quinn Barry
Sep 25, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) salutes the fans after the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Jeter played his final home game at Yankee stadium Thursday night, leaving the Yankees with a hole at shortstop for the first time since 1996. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Yankee shortstop prospects who could contribute in 2015 and beyond.
Jose Pirela
The most (and only) MLB-ready player on this list, Jose Pirela has flown under the radar for the majority of his professional career. But the 24 year-old Venezuelan broke out in a big way in 2014. He hit .305, with 10 home runs, 11 triples, and 15 steals for Triple-A. Scranton. The Yankees rewarded this well-rounded performer with a September call-up. With Derek Jeter’s retirement looming, Pirela could be up in the Bronx for good. With experience at shortstop, second base, and in the outfield, Jose Pirela will fight for a roster spot and maybe even a starting job in spring training.
Miguel Andujar
When the Yankees signed Miguel Andujar out of the Dominican Republic, the shortstop was viewed as years from the major leagues. And while that sentiment still remains true, Andujar is progressing much faster than many expected. In 2014, his first full season of pro ball, the Dominican hit .267, with 10 home runs and 70 RBI. That’s even more impressive when you consider the young gun was 2.5 years younger than the average Sally league ballplayer. Andujar could start the 2015 season with High-A Tampa, and potentially finish out the year at Double-A Trenton if everything breaks right.
Angel Aguilar
Perhaps the rawest player on this list, Angel Aguilar earns his spot based on a breakout 2014 campaign. After two trying years at Rookie Ball, the 19 year-old hit .311, with 7 home runs and 31 RBI in just 39 games in the Gulf Coast League. But in order for Aguilar to cement his status as a prospect, he needs to prove his mettle against more advanced pitching. Expect the Venezuelan to join the Staten Island Yankees after extended spring training, to hopefully build on a promising 2014 campaign.
Tyler Wade
Drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Tyler Wade has a chance to become a big league shortstop in the relatively near future. Wade started off his pro career well, hitting .309 with Staten Island in 2013. He carried that positive momentum right into the 2014 season, where he finished out the year with a .272 average, .350 OBP, 51 RBI, and 22 steals in 129 games in A-Ball. Despite his success, Wade still has two major flaws in his game: strikeouts and lack of power, an inefficient combination. If the California product can improve his plate discipline, even without a spike in home run totals, Wade could join the big league club by 2016.
Vincente Conde
Vincente Conde created some buzz when New York selected the shortstop in the ninth round of the 2014 draft. However, Conde struggled in his first attempt at pro ball, hitting only .224 with a .323 OBP for Low-A Staten Island. And while the Florida native sported a fine .963 fielding percentage, he also managed to slug a powerless .254, unacceptable for any level of professional baseball. If Conde wants to make it to the majors, he needs to bulk up and show an ability hit advanced pitching.
The Yankees need a shortstop in 2015, but they shouldn’t look to their farm for solutions next season. These prospects represent promising options down the road, but most of these players need at least two years of development before making an impact in the bigs. Expect the Yankees to look for a short-term free agent solution, allowing their potential shortstop of the future to grow and develop.