New York Yankees Editorial: Jorge Mateo Looks To Take After Jeter

It’s nothing new for someone to idolize the New York Yankees former shortstop Derek Jeter. However, Jorge Mateo can actually make that happen in years to come. Mateo recently spoke on how he has always idolized Jeter and his ethics on and off the field. Here’s why he is in the best position to become the closest thing to “the next Jeter”.

“I always admired him. The way he played, the way he carried himself, how he was special”. While being a shortstop himself, Mateo would always have the number two on his back, just as others have the number 23. Those two numbers for example, whether it be for baseball or basketball, have a certain connotation to people who know what they mean, which is exactly what Mateo always had in mind. What that number means in the Yankees organization is something people can understand, but few are in Mateo’s position to live it out.

Aside from playing his position, and wearing the same number (for now), Mateo can not only be the next Jeter, but someday have kids wanting to be “the next Mateo”. Signing with the Yankees in 2012, Mateo is third on the Yankees’ Top 30 Prospect list.

What stands out the most is his almost untouchable speed, stealing 60+ bases in just over 80 games. However, being third on a team’s prospect list doesn’t mean you’re a one trick pony. Just as Jeter he has a strong arm, and his contact hitting is what enables him to get on base like he does.

All these things coming together makes Mateo one of the Yanks’ top prospects right behind Aaron Judge and Luis Severino, and one to expect in pinstripes in years to come.

New York Yankees Editorial: Jorge Mateo Looks To Take After Jeter

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