Top 5 Yankees shortstops ever to play in pinstripes

For the last two seasons, the dilemma over Yankees shortstops remained a nagging question. However, following his excellent performance in 2023 spring training, the Yankees have zeroed in on Anthony Volpe as their shortstop for the regular season. Fans have begun to see the homegrown prospect as another Derek Jeter in the making and Anthony Volpe may one day join the pantheon of the greatest Yankees shortstops.

Here are the five greatest Yankees shortstops of all time according to PinstripesNation.

#5. Roger Peckinpaugh (1913-21)

Roger Peckinpaugh played for the Yankees for eight seasons and was the first of the greatest Yankees shortstops. In 1920 and 1921, he played with Babe Ruth. Peckinpaugh went on to play for the Washington Senators and win the American League MVP Award in 1925.

#4. Frank Crosetti (1932-48)

Frank Crosetti was an All-Star twice and won the World Series six times to claim his place among the best Yankees shortstops. Crosetti played for 17 years, and the Yankees were his only team. As a new player in 1932, he played with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Crosetti’s career ended in 1948 when he was playing with Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Phil Rizzuto.

#3. Phil Rizzuto (1941-56)

Phil Rizzuto was a five-time All-Star, seven-time World Series champion, and a Hall of Famer. In 1950, when he hit .324, Rizzuto was also named Most Valuable Player of the American League. He ranks among the top Yankees shortstops for playing in an era when the team dominated everyone and he contributed immensely with his hitting and fielding capabilities.

#2. Didi Gregorius (2015-19)

Didi Gregorius took over at shortstop for Derek Jeter in 2015 and spent five seasons with the Yankees. In 2016, he got 20 homers and 70 RBIs with .447. This also included 32 doubles. He was instrumental in helping the Yankees win wild card games in 2017 and 2018 against the Twins and the Rays respectively. His eight-RBI performance on April 3, 2018, against Tampa justifies his position among the Yankees’ greatest shortstops.

The Yankees didn’t renew his contract as a previously diagnosed ulnar collateral ligament tear started to impact his performance in 2019. He continued with the Phillies until 2022.

#1. Derek Jeter (1995-2014)

Derek Jeter is the Yankees’ best-known shortstop. The 14-time All-Star, five-time World Series champion, and first-ballot Hall of Famer, was also named the Rookie of the Year in the American League. He was the Most Valuable Player in the 2000 World Series and won five Silver Slugger Awards.

Jeter’s flip play in Game 3 of the 2001 ALDS established his credential as an unparalleled position player. His 3,465 hits put him in sixth place among MLB’s all-time leaders. He ranks foremost among the greatest Yankees shortstops.

Who else do you think are among the top Yankees shortstops? Name the players below.