Let’s indulge ourselves for a minute and play a game. Imagine, if you can, that Derek Jeter is not going to re-sign with the Yankees this winter. As hard as that is to do, let’s try to figure out which teams would have interest in Mr. November if the Yankees let him walk.
I’ll spare you the details on Jeter, since we’re all familiar with his track record, but here are the essentials. He is hitting .280/.343/.394 this year with 12 steals in 16 attempts. The four-time Gold Glover restored his defensive reputation last year, when he posted an above-average UZR/150, but UZR doesn’t like Jeter’s defense so far in 2010.
Jeter, perhaps the most marketable player in baseball, figures to reach 3,000 hits at some point in 2011. He’s also as durable as it gets; he averaged 152 games from 1996-2009 and is on pace to play just as many times this season.
There's absolutely no reason to expect Jeter to leave the Yankees, but here’s a look at the teams that would have interest in Jeter if the Yankees do not re-sign him. For the purposes of this piece, we’ll assume that Jeter wants to play shortstop, not left field or third base.
- Orioles – The Orioles need a shortstop, but it seems unlikely that Jeter would choose to finish his career for a team that doesn't appear ready to contend immediately.
- Tigers – Jeter would probably be tempting for the Tigers, who have relied on Ramon Santiago and Danny Worth at short this year.
- Twins – J.J. Hardy is a non-tender candidate after a disappointing first season in Minneapolis, so the Twins could be in the market for a shortstop this winter.
- A’s – The A’s need offense and Jeter’s track record suggests he would be a clear offensive upgrade over Cliff Pennington.
- Nationals – The Nationals, who have interest in one big-name free agent, could move Ian Desmond to second to make room for Jeter.
- Reds – The Reds have a $4MM option for Orlando Cabrera’s services, but would be a potential suitor for Jeter. However, Cincinnati will also be looking to replace or re-sign Ramon Hernandez, Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang.
- Cardinals – The Cards have Brendan Ryan and Tyler Greene, but they’d surely be tempted by Jeter.
- Padres – Miguel Tejada and Jerry Hairston Jr. are free agents, so the Padres could let them walk and replace Everth Cabrera with Jeter.
- Giants – Even if the Giants let Juan Uribe walk and decline Edgar Renteria's option, they could get by with Mike Fontenot and Emmanuel Burriss. But there's a big difference between just getting by and signing Derek Jeter.
- Others – The Mariners could get creative and move Jack Wilson to a backup-utility role; the Braves could decline Alex Gonzalez’s 2011 option or pick it up and trade him
The Rays (Jason Bartlett, Reid Brignac, Sean Rodriguez), Red Sox (Marco Scutaro), Blue Jays (Yunel Escobar), Indians (Asdrubal Cabrera), White Sox (Alexei Ramirez), Angels (Erick Aybar), Rangers (Elvis Andrus), Phillies (Jimmy Rollins), Mets (Jose Reyes), Marlins (Hanley Ramirez), Brewers (Alcides Escobar), Cubs (Starlin Castro), Dodgers (Rafael Furcal), Diamondbacks (Stephen Drew) and Rockies (Troy Tulowitzki) all have shortstops under team control for 2011.
Christian Colon, the Royals’ first-round selection in this year’s draft (fourth-overall) may move from short to second eventually, but the Royals still don’t seem like a fit for Jeter. Neither do the Pirates and Astros, who aren’t in win-now mode.
Again, it's virtually impossible to imagine Jeter signing anywhere but the Bronx, so this piece is mostly for fun. But if he wanted to test the free agent market, Jeter would be able to choose from a number of legitimate suitors.
Scott
I’m interested to see what kind of contract he will get, as he has become an average shortstop. I’m sure the Yankees will overpay him as necessary.
$1519287
He’s 6th among MLB shortstops in WAR, FWIW. The stat doesn’t tell us everything, but it suggests he’s above average by a lot.
– BNS
Guest
He’s still probably in the top 5 SS, but in two years or so, he’ll probably be average or a lot closer to average… not to many good SS in the league, it’s weird…
Scott
It suggests that, but doesn’t prove it. He may be above average as a shortstop, but that’s simply because of his offense. His defense is average at best IMO…and will only further deteriorate (quickly).
Guest
IMO you’re wrong, so… there it is, no need to use stats.
PS
i imagine you got really mad when ‘jetes’ made that play tonight against the KC Royals, a ball hit deep to shortstop, Derek caught it running towards third, jumped, fired and got the runner out. Yeah, in your opinion that’s an average play LMAO.
Scott
Not to mention that there are easily more than 6 shortstops I’d rather having going forward than Jeter.
myname_989
How many of which will actually be available after this season, that you can sign in free agency? Jeter will be the best available short stop this year. You can agree on that, yes?
alxn
He’s actually 8th among shortstops in WAR, right behind Stephen Drew and Cliff Pennington, and that is mostly because he has played significantly more than most other shortstops. He’s 12th in .wOBA and 17th in UZR/150 this year among shortstops.
In other words, yes, he has been an average shortstop this year.
BaseballFanatic0707
I have no idea where you are getting your numbers from, because when I go look those numbers up, among shortstops, he is 4th in .wOBA and 6th in WAR.
melonis_rex
6th among shortstops who have the PAs to qualify for a batting title, 8th among all shortstops.
BaseballFanatic0707
Yeah, I used those numbers, too. I got 6th in WAR and 4th in .wOBA among all SS.
Edit: now 5th in wOBA. Uribe qualified for the position last night.
NB
It’s a shame that he’s such a Yankee legend because I really don’t want this guy on my team next year, or for that matter the next 3 or 4 years. The guy is totally finished.
BaseballFanatic0707
Slighty Above Average? Yes. Done? Hardly. He still has a chance to make it to 3.0 WAR this season I think, but he’s already above replacement level. People who are finished don’t produce more than 1 WAR, at most.
NB
Since his hot April (in which he didn’t walk like, at all), Jeter is hitting .267/.340/.362. He is going to be making $20M+ a year for 3-5 years and he will not be getting any better. This is not some defensive wiz making league minimum. He is AWFUL.
melonis_rex
Exactly.
Sure, he’s 1st ballot HOF, but he’s aging now and he’s not going to get any better with age. And frankly, the AL East is all about constantly making adjustments and improvements and being strong 1-9.
Jeter’s the worst player in the Yankees’ starting lineup. Easy.
Henry Castellanos
Apparently you have not heard of Lance Berkman.
And no he isn’t. .280 batting average is awful? Nope.
And you shouldn’t expect Jeter to hit the ball out of the ball park alot.
Sure he is having his worst year, with some solid numbers.
I think it’s his contract situation that needs to be solved.
BaseballFanatic0707
That line is right around average. We know he’s going to be overpaid. But he is not awful. You seem to be equating awful to overpaid. There is a difference.
johnsilver
Can go around the NYY team and about 1/2 are grossly over paid, Jeter will just be a continuation after this year, they just can’t help themselves and cut ties when they should. Jeter isn’tabout to give them some kind of home team discount then the Yanks flaunt that cash around, or they bid against themselves on players.
BaseballFanatic0707
Are you implying the Yankees should just cut ties with Jeter? Considering how, in most important advanced statistical categories in terms of offense, Jeter is in the top 5 in those categories (I’d post a link but it takes a bajillions years to get through. Just go to fangraphs, go to leaders, go to advanced, and have fun).
His bat is still productive. We know his defense is lacklaster (though a -2.5 UZR this year is really not that bad at all.)
johnsilver
For 20m again? in a heartbeat, but everyone knows they won’t, hence the post above about bidding against themselves. nobody else would even offer him 2/3, maybe 1/2 that amount, but watch the NYY give him 3-4 years at 20 after this season.
BaseballFanatic0707
I know they will. But, unless he started demanding A-Rod money, there is absolutely no reason why the Yankees should just cut ties with him.
Antron
yO CHECK TIS OUT EVERYBODY SEEMS TO FORGET HES BEEN THE MAN FOR YEARS why is everybody hating on him nobody bitched about rodriguez doing drugs and getting 230 mill. jeter has brought 5 ws rings to ny the way the yankees throw out mills give him what he wants
jrsjrsjrs
Totally finished? As MLBTRCommentModerator stated, he’s 6th among SS in WAR, FWIW, and only Ramirez, Furcal, and Tulo have been more productive than him at the plate this year. I don’t see him lasting 4 years, but he can certainly be productive for the next 2-3.
jwsox
dont forget alexi ramirez, he is batting .290 with a .322 obp and a .430 slg…with a 10 uzr and a 2.9 war he has been very good this year
Triteon
Here’s a situation where the Cardinals could be tempted but wouldn’t make a move, not unless DeWitt opened de-wallet. Pujols first, all others later.
motiger68
The Cardinals wouldn’t be able to afford Jeter because of not re-signing Pujols and Holliday’s big contract. I guess we can keep on dreaming though.
King of the World
The Cards will spend more than that keeping Poo Holes…in steroids!
Triteon
You should ask your parents permission before going online.
francoeursux
You didn’t mention the Braves, though I doubt they’d want him.
Tigers might appeal to Jeter since he’s from Michigan.
$1519287
I said the Braves could decline A-Gon’s option or pick it up and trade him.
– BNS
Guest
He’s not leaving NY
CitizenSnips
Whatever the contract would look like it most certainly won’t be close to those absurd $20 million/year estimates being thrown around.
yanks224
He’s stayin w the new York yanks
Triteon
Ahem…Yankees fans seemed confused by hypotheticals and italics.
icedrake523
You’re confusing them even further with those big words.
Gumby65
Potential suitors for Derek Jeter should be plural like potential states for the relocation of the Grand Canyon.
Ian_Smell
Pirates. No doubt.
gocrazy
I’ve already promised my brother that if Jeter signs with the Pirates I will order a jersey and wear it everyday.
Ian_Smell
I would personally pay for that jersey if that happened.
Henry Castellanos
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA… Oh that was a hoot.
Oh wait, you’re serious?
bjsguess
Quick typo – The Angels have Aybar signed – not the Rangers. Most people will realize that but just thought I would point it out.
FxFrenikk
Considering he will, barring any injuries, reach his 3,000th hit next season, there is no way the Yanks will let him walk.
johnsilver
Bingo there.. There lies the principle reason why even if some team was foolish enough to offer say..25M for some crazy reason the NYY would offer 30M.. Just because no NYY has ever had 3000 hits and they want to hang Jeter up as their poster boy in that regard also.
Yanks still going to sign the guy LT at around 20m, but they want him to reach 3000 hits all with the yanks, cause he would be the 1st and would pay any amount to reach it. No slight intended, it is quite some feat since many great all with one team outstanding hitters NEVER did it including Williams (Ted), Gehrig, Mantle and in some ways the PR could be worth it eventually down the road for the team.
AmericanMovieFan
Jeter seems like a classy guy. I don’t think he has the ego to actually believe he’s still worth $20 million per season and he’s made over $200 million in baseball alone, plus probably at least half as much through endorsements, etc. Anyway, I think he’ll sign for at least 2 years/$20 million to ensure he gets to 3,000 hits as a Yankee. It’ll most likely be something like 4 years/$50 million, however. Either way, he’ll get paid in ways us mere mortals only dream about- and he’ll remain a Yankee lifer.
jrsjrsjrs
It’s not up to him. The player’s union doesn’t allow players to offer to play for less money than they are “perceived” to be worth, as it affects the salaries for other FA’s.
Triteon
The player’s union discourages players to play for less, but can’t dictate actual salaries or offers accepted.
jrsjrsjrs
Yea, but no one has the balls to actually go against the union.
Triteon
How about two of the best in the game? Baseball Prospectus had a nice article last October on Halladay’s extension. And then there’s this excerpt from a Fangraphs article just last month on Josh Johnson (emphasis added):
“I’m excited,” Johnson said. “It sets up me and my family for life. One of the best parts is knowing where I’m going to be the next four years. I won’t have to hear about any trade rumors or anything like that. I’m happy to be in South Florida.”
Johnson was clearly motivated to avoid going year to year, valuing long term security and peace of mind so highly that he signed a contract that makes him one of the most underpaid players in the game, relative to his ability. The next time you hear someone say that players are just all about the money nowadays, remind them of Johnson and his contract. Just like the rest of us, players value a variety of things, and they make decisions on where to work based on a variety of reasons.
Cade White
You know, it’s hard to put a value on a guy when he is the most recognizable global face of American baseball in the world. Yes, he is in a Yankee uniform and his contract will most likely be higher than his on field play suggests, but the man is being compensated for quite a bit more than that. Jeter and the Yankees have done well together, and the Yankees and Jeter both know it. Surprisingly, I disagree and say that he is still worth 20m a season with prestige being a major factor of consideration.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Saying Jeter is not a Yankee is like saying Jesus is not mentioned in the Bible
John W
I remember reading somewhere that Jeter would get a 4 year, $100MM contract. Is this the case, or did that pass with the Boss?
Moebarguy
Newark Bears?
East Coast Bias
That’s cold, bro.
Henry Castellanos
You’re whole Mets team is a level lower than that, bro.
Moebarguy
Why is everyone calling me “bro?”
TwinsVet
JJ is not a non-tender candidate. Look at his numbers since the break. The locals are very pleased with him.
junior ballbag
I’m not pleased with him and that’s all that matters.
twins33
I was hoping someone else was in here saying that, because if not, I was going to.
Maybe I have had low expectations, but Hardy has been a great addition. He’s been on a hot streak for the last month or so too. His D is always there. He’s been injured a few times and that hasn’t helped him get his swing all the way back. I still think he has it. His presence definitely improves the team. And considering we gave up Gomez for Hardy, I definitely love having Hardy more.
I honestly hope we re-sign him for a few years, maybe three or so. He might come pretty cheap considering last year and this year haven’t been up to his 2007-2008 levels.
And to comment on the rest of the topic: Jeter is a Yankee and will always be a Yankee. Anything else is just wrong.
TwinsVet
Completely agree. I believe he has his last year of arb next year, and
projects for around $7m. I say they offer him $15/3yr or so. Gives him a
bit of security and the organization a bit of a discount.
$1529282
Amen. Hardy’s defense alone has been worth it. People gush about Punto’s defense here in Minnesota, but Hardy doesn’t get nearly enough credit. He’s been absolutely phenomenal with the glove and his bat is coming around now that his wrist is healthy.
Sure, he’s not hitting 20+ HR like he did a couple years ago in Milwaukee, but if he keeps this up he can finish the season with about a .740-.750 OPS, and with that glove, I’ll gladly take that, especially when there’s still 15-20 HR upside in his bat.
I wouldn’t non-tender J.J. Absolutely not. I’d love to see them hammer out a three-year, $15MM deal or so.
The Secret Inspector
If Smith gives Punto another contract, I am selling all of my Twins stuff.
coolstorybro222
Ha ha. Like the idea that Jeter leaving the yankees is absurd enough, him going to any of those teams is even more absurd.
Steve Shoup
I won’t say he is ‘finished’ or ‘awful’ or anything like that but Jeter is actually tied for 8th (with rookie Starlin Castro) in WAR. WAR isn’t a stat that you should really need a minimum number of plate appearances since Furcal and Tulo are more valuable to their team than Jeter is despite missing significant time.
Jeter has value and extreme value if he plays like he did in 2009 but I wouldn’t bet on him repeating that performance. At best Jeter is a $10 million a year player (and that is still potentially hefty if his numbers don’t recover) but will get likely twice that. I can maybe see the Tigers since they have some money coming off the books but no one else is really serious
Moebarguy
He might be worth $10 million per year for his production, but Jeter brings more value from a business perspective (merchandise sales, filling seats, etc…)
Steve Shoup
I do agree with that but if his numbers decline then it will end up a wash. Also the teams that need that the most O’s, Royals ect. aren’t going to be the teams that sign him (though I could see the O’s make a run just to thumb their noses at the Yanks). A team like the Cards or Tigers won’t see enough of a fan attendance jump to make it worth their while.
markjsunz
He is going to retire a lifetime Yankee. The Yankees have had some great shortstops thru out there history. Jeter is the best. He is a well spoken handsome gentleman who represents not only the yankees, but he is also a great steward of New York.It is rare to see a player play with the same team thruout his career. When Jackie Robinson retired he had been traded to the new york Giants. A classless act by the Dodgers. Jeter will know when to hang em up.
Jimbo
“He is a well spoken handsome gentleman ” …Pause
markjsunz
What is your problem?
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Why even mention any teams that cant pay actual money?
wheresthehawk
They should get rid of A-Fraud and keep Jeter as long as he can go, then make him a coach…or Manager?
BaseballFanatic0707
Jeter has expressed his desire on numerous occasions to become an owner.
gmblngptchr20
Do not want Jeter. Great player, obviously he’s not leaving new york, but Cincy needs young defensive minded guys (or guy at shrotstop)
jimcrikket
Frankly, I take great joy in knowing Jeter will continue to be a Yankee and continue to be their SS. It means $20 million or so a year that they won’t have available to put to better use AND it means they’ll continue to have much bigger (and increasingly bigger) holes for hitters to knock ground balls through in their infield. The Yankees have a huge financial advantage over everyone else, so it helps balance the scales a little bit when they agree to shell out way too much money for a guy who’s well on the downside of his abilities and effectiveness at a critical defensive position.
DJ_2
This post does not even deserve to be a post. The likelihood that Jeter leaves the Yankees or the Yankees let him walk is so slim that there’s practically no way to envision him not in pinstripes. Also, Jeter has repeatedly stated that he LOVES the Yanks and he grew up a fan. No way he is leaving, especially when he can get 3,000 and challenge for 4,000 hits in Yankee Pinstripes.
FxFrenikk
It’s a pipe dream to think he’ll collect 4,000 hits.
Jeffrey
I don’t think Jeter has a lot left in him but I would love to see the Red Sox go out and acquire him. It would just be fun to watch the Yankees fans recoil in horror when he put on the Red Sox hat every day for the next 2 years.
That being said, will he ask for 6 year at $20M per, or will he settle for 4 years at $25M per from the Yankees? Either way, he’ll be an average shortstop making superstar money. You pay for history, I suppose.
Henry Castellanos
Too bad Jeter wouldn’t think about going to the Red Sox. The Sox can’t acquire someone like Derek Jeter, meaning he has only known one team in his career and is a hall of fame player with them. “Go out and aqcuire him.”
As George Lopez said “Esta Loco!?”
Chris
How about the Cubs. If they trade Fukudome, Zambrano, Silva, Nady and Baker and let’s say Ramirez declines his option. We could have a good looking in field………….. in my dreams.
C- Geovany Soto
1B- Adam Dunn/ Lance Berkman/ Carlos Pena
2B- Starlin Castro
3B- Blake DeWitt
SS- Derek Jeter
The Secret Inspector
Yeah, and the Royals are going to be your 2011 World Series Champion!
coolstorybro222
You seriously want to get another aging old first baseman that has struggled to hit this year? I mean don’t you have Derek Lee?
EvilEmpireMember
This post reminded me of the What-If comics I used to read when I was a kid. That was a total waste of time like this post.
Boz
what are the odds that whatever team Joe Torre signs with is the team that Jeter signs with?
Ptk123
Jeter isnt going anywhere but NY. Maybe a 5% chance he signs with detroit seeing that it is close to home.
Tigerfan93
Jeter is from Michigan so that could be tempting for him to finish his illustrious career at home.
YanksFanSince78
Wow…I’m flabbergasted by some of the statements, and by some people I really respect.
——————-
“Sure, he’s 1st ballot HOF, but he’s aging now and he’s not going to get any better with age. And frankly, the AL East is all about constantly making adjustments and improvements and being strong 1-9.
Jeter’s the worst player in the Yankees’ starting lineup. Easy”.
-Ok let’s all agree that he will be paid more for his intangibles and history than he will for actual performance. We can all agree right?
To say he’s the worst player on THE YANKEES LINEUP means nothign w/o keeping things in perspective. Based on this years stats is he better than Cano, Tex, Swisher, Arod, Grangerson, Posada and Gardner? Probably not as he isn’t doing 1 thing exceptionally but on MOST teams even in a down year he would probably be one of the top 3 or 4 players, period. The Yanks have an amazing team and the fact that he’s not performing as a top 5 players says a lot about the team.
—————
“Not to mention that there are easily more than 6 shortstops I’d rather having going forward than Jeter”.
-Emotional attachment aside, if the Yanks were basing their decision on performance only then I’m sure the Yanks would prefer 6 SS over Jeter as well. However, that’s not the point. Anyone who signs Jeter is probably a team that a) Has a need for a SS b) Would be thinking of Jeter for a short term (3 year) stop gap until a better one becomes available, either thru the farm or thru FA. c) Understand that as of 2011 Jeter is probably the best SS on the open market.
———————–
“It’s a shame that he’s such a Yankee legend because I really don’t want this guy on my team next year, or for that matter the next 3 or 4 years. The guy is totally finished”.
-FInished? Don’t compare Jeter vs ALL PLAYERS. COmpare Jeter to his AL counterparts. Even in the worst year of his career of SS with at least 300 AB in the AL he is still…
-2nd in Batting avg. 2nd in OBP. 1st in hits. 4th in doubles. 4th in xtra bhts. 4th in HRS.
Is he overpaid and will he be overpaid every year until he retires? Yes. But obviously he wouldn’t get anywhere near that if he signed with any other team thus bridging the gap from being an overpaid SS living off the past to a above average SS earning what’s more commiserate with his on-field play.
——————————–
“It’s not up to him. The player’s union doesn’t allow players to offer to play for less money than they are “perceived” to be worth, as it affects the salaries for other FA’s”.
-If a player has ZERO offers then they will play for whatever the best is they can get (see Andre Dawson/Cubs, I-Rod/Tigers, etc) or they won’t play at all (see Jeremaine Dye).
————–
PLEASE….PLEASE….keep in mind that the poster simply was speculating “IFS” not “WHEN” Jeter was to leave the Yanks. I’m sure they understood that it’s probably a 95% chance of Jeter staying with the Yanks.
The worst part of Jeter post 2010 is that his lack of range could be exposed further by the lack of range at 3rdb from Arod. In any scenario where Jeter might leave the best team would be a team that needs a) true PR chachter enhancement b) has money to splurge on an overpriced SS c) has a 2B/3B combo with above average range. It will never happen but the Mets would be an ideal spot as they fit all three criteria. The Sox as well if they kept Beltre and moved Scutaro. Obviously those are the two teams that Jeter would NEVER, EVER think seriously about joining.
George A
He’ll retire a Yankee… but
Earlier this year, Jose Reyes said he would move to second base if need be…
Wilpons don’t have the stones…. but it would be the ultimate eye-poke to the Yankees.
pageian
Lol, yeah, that would really tick of the Yankees even if they never said so publicly. Fortunately for them Jeter isn’t that type of guy. I can’t imagine what the Yankees would have to do for him to even consider going to the Met’s or anywhere else for that matter. Heck, they’d have to screw up pretty bad for him to even announce during the World Series that he’s going to test the free agent market.
Like him or not he does have integrity. I had a hard time appreciating him earlier in his career because of who he played for and the fact that he acts like he’s an angel and everyone thinks he’s perfect. Still, as his career winds down I’ve come to appreciate what he’s done and with some perspective now it’s easy to see that he’s one of the better shortstop in the game all time.
BaseballFanatic0707
Up until this new girl he starting dating, Minka, NO ONE thought he was an angel here.
Derek Jeter was one hell of a playboy. Then Minka came along and all of a sudden he’s a bit more well behaved.
PKJ
This is an absolutely pointless post. New York would burn to the ground before they let him retire in someone else’s uniform.
Henry Castellanos
Oh my god. I’m just laghing at these comments as to which team he would go to. Cubs? In your dreams. Mets? Yeah… not happening. Out of all the teams except the Yankees I give 28 teams 0%. I give the Tigers .1%. Jeter isn’t going anywhere else, and you know what, I wouldn’t be surprised if a team like the Cubs or Tigers give him an offer.
Jeter will be with the Yankees the rest of his career. Him going to another team is like saying Brandon Phillips doesen’t hate the Cardinals.
pageian
Despite what others may have said, the Cubs aren’t going to be offering Jeter a contract. Frankly, Castro may already be a better shortstop at this point than Jeter is, and a year or two from now it probably won’t even be debatable if both progress down their respective career paths as expected. Not even Jim Hendry is that dumb. Hendry tends to fixate on one major problem each offseason and then telegraph to the industry what he’s planning on doing, as if only one thing needs to be fixed and if everyone knows what he’s going to do will make it easier for him to accomplish it. Anyway, Hendry isn’t likely to fixate on shortstop given Castro’s presence. Agree with you though, Jeter will finish his career with the Yankees.
pageian
Jeter is going to get paid a lot more by the Yankees than anyone else will be willing to pay simply because of what he’s meant to the franchise. Not saying it’s smart or that they should, I don’t believe it’s good business to pay a baseball player based on what he’s done in the past as opposed to what he can do in the future, but it’s likely going to happen here. ARod gets bonuses for passing milestone home run numbers, I wouldn’t doubt that Jeter gets some kind of bonus structure written in to his next contract, maybe for hits? He’s not going to be worth $18 million a year going forward but no doubt the Yankees will be willing to pay him well above what the market would pay. While you could make an argument that he’s “worth” $18 million or whatever to the Yankees, you couldn’t make the same argument that he’d be worth that much to say, the Pirates. He’s just not that good at baseball anymore, or at least he won’t be soon after the contract is signed.
Anyway, I hope he gets as much as he can and I hope it works out for him and the Yankees, but his next contract should be looked at as a unique event, not something that’s going to realistically peg his talent level or set the market for shortstops similar to him.
jwredsox
Why can’t Jeter command 20mil a year? He has all the leverage because the Yankees can’t let him walk and go to another team especially when there is a chance he sill has something left in the tank. It’d be like if the Yankees letting the Babe walk in 1930 or Dimaggio before he was done. He can hand the Yankees a contract with the figures on it and the Yankees will sign it (outside of an outrageous 30mil per year obviously). Jeter is Mr. Yankee. They can’t let him walk.
okojo
Jeter isn’t finished, He went from being a great hitter and good fielder, to a good hitter and average fielder. He isn’t worth $20 million, and he will only get it because of the emotional connection of Jeter with the Yankees.
Look both the Sox and the Yankees way overvalue some of their players, who would be average on other teams. The Yankees have some incredible players right now, specifically Robinson Cano. Jeter has build himself up to as a myth, which will help him in getting a contract with the Yankees.
Much like any closer that follows Rivera for the Yankees will have a hard time, any shortstop following Jeter, even if he posts better numbers than Jeter is going to have a hard time with the New York fans and New York media. I would give Jeter a three year contract for $10 million, which of course won’t happened, he probably wants A-Rod’s money.
The Yankees are going to have a busy off season. They need to re-sign Rivera, who is in some ways more tantamount to the Yankees success than Jeter, they are going to go after Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford, re-sign Petite. They will re-sign Jeter, because the fans are going to demand it, but they should have some common sense of not giving him a long term contract, or stress if he wants lots of money, he may have to change positions, like to Right Field or maybe left field if they don’t sign Crawford.
Boz
what if the yankees shift the age around on their infield?
move jeter to 2nd, Arod to SS and Cano to 3rd?
or at least swap jeter and Cano?
Cano has easily shown he has good range and a very strong arm. I think he would make a great 3rd or SS.
what no one liked my jeter following torre idea???? haha
Patrick OKennedy
Jeter’s not going anywhere. See, there’s dollars, and then there’s Yankee dollars. He gets paid twice as much as he’s worth from New York. But if he did want to switch to the Tigers, I’d ask him to move to third base and get a better fielder at shortstop. Hah!
scrapi999
detroit tried to field 2 better defensive shortstops this year, how did that work out for them, you are asking them to sign the best free agent ss and sign derek jeter to play 3rd base, that would be good cause dave brondowski would get fired! i applaud ur efforts!
The_Silver_Stacker
potential suitors really? there is only one suitor the yankees, what a waste of time to write such a stupid article
alphabet_soup5
Heath Bell, John Smoltz, etc. Anyways, Jeter has no reason to move from New York, and I doubt the Yankees would let anyone outbid them.
hawkny1
Jeter gets 5 yrs @$100M to stay in the Bronx.
Mitch_Cole173
Derek Jeter offered the Boston Bruins a large sum of money back in 2005 to win the naming rights to their rink. He wanted to call it the “Derek Jeter Center”. True story.
Jimbo
He is just one of those players that clearly have a little something extra going for them that doesn’t show up in all of those stats… Michael Young is a great example of this, and as much as I don’t like to admit it; David Wright and Dustin Pedroia as well.
Add in the fact that he is currently the face of MLB and has been for the past 15 years; (although it is starting to swing, see more things centered around others… mainly Pujols, Longoria, Mauer) the fact that he is the captain and by far the fan favorite in NY; AND not to mention the fact that he is a 1st ballot HOFer about to be the first to reach 3000 hits as a yankee.
I don’t know about you….but if I’m the yankees, I take Jeter over every other SS….at least for next year.
venn177
Wow, no one in these comments has any imagination.
It’s a fun thing to think about. Every time I play a season mode in MLB 2K10, or really any baseball sim, Jeter always signs with the Tigers after 2010, so I say he signs there if not with the Yankees.
GaryE
I think he gets 4 years at 100m. Maybe plays 2-3 at ss, then moves to right field, maybe.
Best case scenerio would be to trade A-ROD to LAA (the owner was hot for A-ROD a couple of years ago, maybe still) move DJ to third and get a young ss.
Replacing MO will be the bigger problem nextyear.
Just_MLB
u hit it right on the money
scrapi999
no team is dumb enough to offer him more then 3 years and a kind 45mil and u think hell get 25mil /season, a rod will break the hr record that is what he gets paid to do not jeter
Gary Esposito
You gotta think of Jeter’s next contract not only for what he has done, but what he is going to do for the organization, first Yankee to 3000 hits, 1st Ballot HOF, etc. now think of the merchandising they will do, AND if he lives a long life like DiMaggio, Berra, Rizzuto, he is their Diplomat & Spokesman for the next 40-45 years, think how much $ the Yankees will make with him on books, tv shows, hats, posters, cards, etc. plus Spring Training appearances, Old Timers Day, and Post season appearances.
The Yankees will make back what they pay him in a heartbeat. Thats why will will ask for A-ROD money for his last contract.
Just_MLB
it would be interesting if Detroit played the home angle…I believe he is from the Motor City….
scrapi999
I hate the Yankees! But Jeter to New York is worth more than baseball! A-rod is the highest paid player on the team but Jeter makes double him in endorsements! I suspect an offer to retire him a Yankee and over the 10mil/year mark.
goby
They can overpay Jeter. The Yanks will surely make their money back next year as he chases 3,000 hits.
mrsly69
Yeah, fun article, but Jeter ain’t going nowhere but to another top model in NYC. Yanks keep him around for tickets and class. There are better options for the Yanks, but we are talking about Jeter. Hopefully, he settles for a GOOD salary and not a pre-Madonna salary. He will make so much money at Yankee conventions and as a broadcaster. His future is with NYC and the Yanks. If he leave’s it will be a HUGE mistake. But it will never happen. Jeter is NY and a Yankee, like the Mick and Joe. What we will find out, if Jeter is in the game for himself or for NY. Finacially, Jeter is set for life. Hopefully he settles for under 10 million a year and the Yanks can work on getting some more talent for an aging team.
mrsly69
JETER TO THE CUBS! ROFL And Jeter will have to add the following statement to his repertoire, “Wait until next year!”. Leaving Yankee Stadium club house for voted worst club house in MLB, Wrigley. OH show RESPECT, it is IVY League Wrigley Field. Stinky bathrooms, obstructed seating, lousy parking, and most of all, BAD FRANCHISE! Jeter be better getting neutered or playing for Ozzie and the BLACK SUKS! Oh wait, he’s not spanish enough for Ozzie!
fdx1984
It is amazing that a player who has been this good for so long like Jeter has been, Still has Haters. It must be the fact that he is, after all, a Yankee, and therefore must be HATED!I do not remember CAL RIPKIN having the HATERS like JETER does. I am so sick of hearing, he average is down, his range is less….BLA BLA BLA…………… Shut up already you bunch of fools, and realize this guy is without a doubt, an all-time great! GET OVER IT !
fdx1984
Scott has to be a RED SOX FAN…….
Lanidrac
Unless he’d actually accept a one year deal, you should know perfectly well that the Cardinals can’t afford Jeter with Pujols’s contract up in a year. It would be a stretch even with a one year deal.
Mark Cooper
Going by VORP, Jeter is tied for 4th among shortstops with a 22.9 VORP.
The top three are much, much higher (Furcal — 36.8, Hanley — 36.5, Tulo — 36.3), but to say Jeter is done is to be ignorant.
In 2008, when he hit .300 with 11 HR, 11 SB, and shoddy defense, people said he was done. He came out in 2009 to hit .334 18 HR and 30 SB, his most stolen homers since 2005 and most stolen bases since 2006. He can dig out a few more strong seasons, I’m positive about that.
Do you guys watch every single Yankee game to see that he’s done? Don’t base it all off of stats, base if off of what you see on the field too. I don’t see him as done. There’s some luck involved in his bad season. His career BABIP — .357. This season, it’s .312 — the worst of his career. His strikeout rate is actually lower than his career average. AND I haven’t even gotten into his intangibles. Lay off the guy.