For once, you can leave the Yankees, but the Yankees will never leave you. An ultimate example? Derek Jeter. He retired a decade ago, but “the captain” still remains a significant figure in the Yankees clubhouse. Now, it looks like that significance goes beyond the dugout.

Right from the second he entered the field in pinstripes, he wasn’t just a regular player; he eventually became the heart of the Yankees. He gave the shortstop an identity. His influence eventually turned into legendary footsteps and magic mantras. He raised standards and built a culture and a lasting legacy.

As his protégé Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed, Jeter has passed on his greatest mantras of achieving glory. Something that has had a profound effect on the young second baseman. In the last season, when Chisholm first entered the Bronx, he was found out of position at third base.

His effortless athleticism helped him adapt; it was evident that this wasn’t a good way to utilize his talents. Interestingly, Yankees management agreed and shifted him to his desired position at second base, which is right next to shortstop Anthony Volpe. This move came along with a new twist: building chemistry with Volpe and creating a reliable double-play duo.

As of this moment, everything is aligning. “I feel like that’s what makes the best double-play partners—the guys that are together all the time and willing to be together every day to know each other, know how each other breathes, the way we wake up, everything,” Chisholm stated. It gives us a hint that it’s all about reliability and knowing each other’s game inside and out.

The secret to greatness in the middle infield is trust. In that regard, Jeter’s legacy stands out. He and Robinson Cano built a seamless partnership based on instinct, communication, and sync. The Yankees icon created one of the most legendary shortstop-second base partnerships in history. For now, Chisholm and Volpe are exploring how to create their own. If history hints at anything, it’s all about following in Jeter’s legendary footsteps.

“It’s so organic, just his personality and how outgoing he is,” Volpe mentioned. “It’s just a lot of fun. From the minute he got traded over, he fit in seamlessly. I don’t know what anyone expected, but he’s really bought in on winning. I think that’s all he cares about.” That kind of devotion is contagious and undoubtedly makes a big difference. Winning is something that has defined Jeter’s career.

Now, with Chisholm and Volpe at the heart of the Yankees’ infield, the hope is that his winning mindset will continue to push the team forward.

Boone’s lineup test starts with an Austin Wells lead-off bomb

Well, we don’t know yet who’s leading off for the Yankees this season. But Austin Walls just gave him something to dwell on. On February 28, 2025, we witnessed the young catcher’s first crack in the leadoff spot. He waited no more to make an impression.

Facing right-hander Jake Bloss, Wells required only two pitches to make an impact. He launched a 1-0 fastball over the right-field wall. And little did we know, he had his first home run of the spring and set the mark for the Yankees’ 6-3 win over the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field.

“I’ve never really led off ever in my life,” Wells admitted after his 1-for-2 night. “It was fun to do that today.”
As Gleyber Torres is gone, the Yankees don’t have a proven leadoff hitter. Boone has bounced a few names: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jasson Dominguez, and even Cody Bellinger. And Austin Wells? He isn’t the classic speedster you’d expect on the top spot, but he brings patience and the ability to get on the base.

“You never know here,” Boone stated when he was questioned about Wells leading off. “It’s something I would consider. I liked Jazz [Chisholm Jr.] there. Especially against right-handed pitching, I could absolutely see that being a thing.”

Currently, Boone’s lineup stays a puzzle. But Wells just put his name into the blend in the perfect way possible. He said, “It doesn’t matter where I’m at.”. “Just as long as I’m in the lineup.”

For now, the Yankees have to continue to piece together their lineup for the season. Austin Wells has given Aaron Boone something to think about in the leadoff spot. Let’s keep an eye on the one who emerges as the desired fit for the Yankees’ lineup.