Yankees stud prospect hopes to be the next Derek Jeter
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Aug 8, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Cleveland Indians 10-6 at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Didi Gregorius was appointed with the task of following Derek Jeter's footsteps in the lineup for the New York Yankees. He did an admirable job, hitting .265 with nine homers, but said all spring how he wasn't a replacement for Jeter.
Jorge Mateo, on the other hand, has no problem saying he wants to be the next Jeter.
The 20-year-old prospect chose to wear No. 2 last season, modeling himself after the surefire Hall of Famer.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I asked for that number," Mateo told the New York Post. "I want to do what Jeter did in his career. I watched him all the time. I liked everything about him. I want to do the same things as him."
2015 was Mateo's first full season stateside and he didn't disappoint. In 117 games across Single-A and High-A, he hit .278/.345/.392 with 98 strikeouts and an astounding 82 stolen bases. He's ranked as the second prospect in the Yankees organization, according to MLB.com, and should be able to stick at shortstop as he progresses in the minors.
If Gregorius continues to produce, though, Mateo might have a while until he's able to fulfill his dream -- Gregorius is under team control through the 2019 season.