Remember Derek Jeter? He, who spent his entire 20-year career with the New York Yankees? He’s now being questioned about his defensive abilities. In response, American television broadcaster and Yankees’ insider Rich Eisen has hit back at those who consider the award a popularity contest; otherwise, Jeter wouldn’t have gotten it. Sounds fair?

Well, Derek Jeter, the Yankees’ shortstop, had a .310 batting average, with 260 home runs, 1311 RBIs, and .817 OPS. Although Jeter had a good run in his career, many considered him an overrated defender. Strange to say, isn’t it? However, Jeter did break into the top 10 shortstop list of all time. In addition, it named him, as the face of the dynasty in the biggest market world.

Rich Eisen supports Derek Jeter’s interesting stance

After the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman for a three-year, $120 million contract, there’s a chance of Rafael Devers shifting from third base to second base. Now that Devers has confirmed, there will be no change in Bregman’s position. A former Yankee, Derek Jeter believes the Red Sox might have to play him out of position.

While he is against it, a panelist during “The Rich Eisen Show” mentioned that Jeter received the Gold Glove award because it was a popularity contest. Ouch!

However, MLB insider Rich Eisen supported Jeter, saying, “He was an excellent fielder at the position… He inspired a whole youth movement of excellent fielders, who wear number two, including your new second baseman. My bad. The one who needs to change positions because the guy with 15 errors says this is my spot.”

And, oh, yes, even people who don’t follow baseball would have heard the name, Derek Jeter. In a much-storied franchise like the New York Yankees, Jeter had a stunning 3000 hits, a franchise record. He’s no ordinary player, you know!

Going by his statement, Eisen highlighted how Derek Jeter played a massive role in inspiring a lot of youths and strengthened the performances of infielders, too. It included Alex Bregman, esteemed to be the second baseman for the Red Sox. Eisen pointed out a player with 15 errors, Rafael Devers. The man doesn’t want to change position despite knowing that third base remains Bregman’s favorite position.

And that’s why Rich Eisen seems to be against the attacks pointed toward Derek Jeter’s abilities amid the Bregman-Devers saga. So, what lies ahead for the Red Sox?

Red Sox’s new addition Alex Bregman responds on the 3B issue

Soon after getting signed by the Boston Red Sox, Alex Bregman has been all over the news, as he’s assumed to play the hot corner. As per reports, the Red Sox’s current third baseman, Rafael Devers, has confirmed his disagreement to shift his position. He clearly mentioned that the third base was his usual position. Devers’ teammates also gave him a vote of confidence by sharing their opinion on Bregman playing at second base. However, Bregman seems less bothered about the talks, doesn’t he?

Significantly, Alex Bregman shared about playing together during spring training, fielding ground balls together, and communicating with Devers. Nevertheless, he also mentioned he would like to play wherever the team needs him. An ultimate team player might be on the cards. 

The former Houston Astros’ All-Star Bregman displayed a moderate performance in 2024, where he posted 75 RBIs at an average of .260, with 26 homers and a .768 OPS. Although his offensive production dipped a lot, Bregman would like to join hands with starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and others to make a significant mark on his new team.

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