Didi Gregorius Will Have Hands Full Replacing Derek Jeter

The New York Yankees have landed Derek Jeter’s official replacement at shortstop in a three-team trade. The question now is whether Didi Gregorius has what it takes to replace the legend.

The three-team trade involves the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers and Yankees. The Diamondbacks will receive pitcher Robbie Ray, the Tigers will get pitcher Shane Greene and New York will receive Gregorius from Arizona.

In just a little over two seasons in the big leagues, Gregorius has batted .243 with 13 home runs, 57 RBI, 25 doubles and eight triples in 647 at-bats. His last two seasons with the Diamondbacks are rather comparable statistically in the sense that he recorded nearly identical home runs and RBIs. The crazy part about that is he had nearly 100 less at-bats in 2014. For that reason, the Yankees have to be confident that he is steadily improving as a player.

To believe Gregorius will be able to replicate what Jeter accomplished in his Hall of Fame career is insane. With that said, he will most definitely have to hold his own in the lineup. Yes, the fans are well aware another Jeter-type player will most likely never grace baseball ever again, especially in New York. However, there is still a level of expectations that come with every player who puts on the pinstripes. That level increases tenfold when the player replaces a living legend.

It will be interesting to see how Gregorius performs in 2015, especially with the pressure from the constant talk about him taking over for Jeter. Some players are able to harness the weight and turn it into a productive career. Others crush under the magnitude of the situation. For the sake of the Yankees, they better hope it is the former.

Michael Terrill is a Senior writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Michael Terrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google Plus.