Future Leader Of The Yankees?

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been almost twenty years. A Rookie of the Year award winner, seven pennants, five World Series titles, an All-Star Game MVP, a World Series MVP, a thirteen-time all-star, and a member of the 3,000 hit club.

Derek Jeter has been the most important piece of the Yankees’ franchise over the last two decades, as well as being the captain and face of the team. With guys like Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada now out of the fold, who will take part in the leadership role once Jeter hangs it up after the 2014 season?

Brett Gardner, C.C. Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira are the three that come to mind first. Brett Gardner is a dynamic player, however he seems a little too quiet to be considered a leader and he also lacks some star power.

Sabathia and Teixeira on the other hand have fallen off a bit statistically. On top of that, the Yankees’ first baseman has had trouble remaining on the field.

The next guy to show some leadership skills and take the reigns from Jeter will likely be Brian McCann. Having been considered a leader for a few years in  Atlanta, McCann know what it takes to steer the Yankees in the right direction.

He’s a guy who looks out for teammates and doesn’t put up with any nonsense from any opposing players. A clear example of this was the incident last year when Carlos Gomez showboated around the bases after hitting a home run and McCann stood in Gomez’ way not allowing him to touch home plate because of the show he put on.

It would be very different of course. Derek Jeter is quiet and tries to keep peace while the catcher for the Yanks is a fiery guy who doesn’t let anyone step on him.

The former Atlanta Brave is also considered one of the best game-callers in the sport. He knows how to lead a winning pitching staff. He did it with the Braves for many years and is doing it now in New York.

The Yankees will certainly field a different look in 2015 without their Hall of Fame shortstop, but someone else will take control. The clear cut favorite who will likely lead the team come next season is the one guy on this club who has experience doing it before, Brian McCann.