The first to attempt to fill Derek Jeter’s shoes? Didi Gregorius.
The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers have completed a three-team trade that will send Gregorius to New York, according to multiple reports. Gregorius is expected to be the Yankees’ starting shortstop in 2015, meaning he’ll be the first official successor to Jeter, who retired this year after 20 illustrious seasons in pinstripes.
Left-hander Robbie Ray reportedly will go from Detroit to Arizona as part of the deal. Right-hander Shane Greene will go from New York to Detroit. The Diamondbacks also will acquire infielder Domingo Leyba from the Tigers, a source told FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.
Gregorius, who turns 25 in February, is a very good defensive shortstop with offensive flaws. He once was a highly regarded prospect in the Reds organization but was traded to Arizona in December 2012 as part of the deal that sent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati.
Gregorius is coming off a season in which he hit .226 with six homers, 27 RBIs and a .290 on-base percentage in 299 plate appearances spanning 80 games. He hit .252 with seven homers, 28 RBIs and a .332 on-base percentage in 404 plate appearances over 103 games with the D-Backs in 2013.
Ray, who turned 23 in October, was the centerpiece of a trade last offseason that sent Doug Fister to the Washington Nationals. The lefty went 1-4 with an 8.16 ERA in nine appearances (six starts) with Detroit in 2014. He went 7-6 with a 4.22 ERA in 20 appearances (19 starts) at Triple-A Toledo.
Greene, who turned 26 in November, spent a good chunk of time in the Yankees’ rotation this season. The rookie went 5-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts).
Thumbnail photo via Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports Images
