I miss Jeets! It’s been a year since the retirement heard round the world, and I still can’t help but feel like something is missing in baseball. Derek Jeter was kind of the perfect player in the most imperfect era. Plus, if you were lucky enough to be one of his lady friends, he gave you a Jeter gift basket! What a guy!
As I think about the MLB today, I don’t know if there’s another Jeter out there. Sure, Mike Trout is the man, but he doesn’t have the face. And Bryce Harper isn’t nearly likable enough. The only person that comes to mind when I think of Jeter nowadays is Kris Bryant. Since it’s trendy to talk about the Cubs right now, let’s break down why Kris Bryant could be the next Jeter.
Similarities:
Those Eyes
Depending on the audience, Jeets was probably just as well-known for his light eyes and pretty face as his play on the field. Kris Bryant is definitely up there in the looks department. I mean, he’s no Tom Brady, but Bryant is pretty hot (I feel like I’m cougaring hardcore here). Dem eyes doe.
Age
Bryant is one of the young guns in the league at age 23. Jeter was a bit younger his rookie year (21), but their ages are close enough to make the comparison legit.
Audience
The Yankees and Cubs both have huge audiences and generally attract fans from outside of their cities. Both Jeter and Bryant get thrust into the national spotlight playing for big market clubs, hence why their popularity is far-reaching.
Differences:
Game
Jeter was a baller his rookie year, hitting .314, with a solid .800 OPS. Oh, and there’s that whole having a monster postseason and winning the World Series thing. Bryant is more of a power guy, hitting 26 home runs as a rookie, but his .150 postseason average thus far suggests he’s not quite as clutch as Jeets yet.
Female Résumé
Adriana Lima, Minka Kelly, Jessica Alba, Mariah Carey and Jessica Biel, to name just five (here’s some more). Per my guy friends, Jeter is every man’s America Idol. Kris Bryant apparently has a non-famous girlfriend. Lame.
Those are the qualities that lead me to believe Kris Bryant is Derek Jeter’s heir apparent. Clearly Kris has some catching up to do in the postseason and dating departments, but he’s off to a good start. And seriously, those eyes! Good luck, Kris. It’s not easy to follow a legend.
Let us know on Twitter @BaconSports who you think is the next Derek Jeter!
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