Should New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius be considered a top five shortstop?
Since Didi Gregorius’s arrival with the New York Yankees after being acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks back in December 2014, the All-Star shortstop has been nothing short of phenomenal. In two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Gregorius provided no indication that he was going to turn out to be one of the games best young shortstops. Gregorius stats were less than league average as he posted a .239 batting average, six home runs, 28 runs batted in, .311 on-base percentage, .368 slugging percentage, and .678 on-base plus slugging percentage.
Coming to New York, replacing Derek Jeter who manned the position for twenty years and set a standard of excellence, it was hard to accept that this would be the man who could help fill the void that was left behind from the Yankee legend. After three seasons, Sir Didi has evolved into one of the game’s best shortstops. It just seems as if he’s not getting the credit he deserves, rarely having his named mentioned with the games other great young shortstops, Carlos Correa, Zack Cozart, Corey Seager, Andrelton Simmons, and Francisco Lindor.
It’s a testament to the Yankees brass and scouting department that they were able to find the right player to succeed Derek Jeter as the everyday shortstop. Each season in the Bronx has been a success as Gregorius has been able to improve defensively and in every major offensive category. The hard work the Dutchman has put in has become evident as he’s been able to enjoy a historic 2017 season.
After hitting a three-run home run, his 25th home run of the season against the Minnesota Twins starter Tyler Duffey back on September 20th, Gregorius claimed sole possession as the only Yankees shortstop in team history to hit 25 home runs or more in a season. At 25 home runs, 87 runs batted in, .287 batting average, .319 on-base percentage, .479 slugging percentage, and .798 on-base plus slugging percentage Gregorius stands among the top 10 shortstops in the major leagues in just about every major offensive category.
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With the rapid growth of Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge along with Starlin Castro, Greg Bird and Brett Gardner providing protection in that vaunted Yankees lineup, there’s no limit to the new heights Gregorius can reach, hopefully, by then he’ll be the household name he deserves to be.