FanGraphs' analysis, that is almost “Above Average†on their scale. In fact, Jeter’s worst DRS since 2003 is -27, which ranks far below “Awful†on the same scale. His second-best DRS, excluding last year and this year, was -9 (almost considered “Poorâ€) in 2010. The numbers show that Jeter’s defense has taken a hit in sync with his aging.
Is Jeter Making the Right Decision?
Even though his offensive numbers still hold well against other shortstops in the league, Jeter’s defense has begun to deteriorate to a point that hurts his team. One last stat to look at is Jeter’s WAR. In 2014 it's 0.4, 21st among all shortstops. This is only the fifth time his WAR has been below 3.0, and only the third time it was below 1.0, with the two times being last year and his rookie season.
Jeter’s decision to retire has come at a great point in his career. He's still good enough that no one will question that he has stuck around too long, but if he were to stay for another year or two, Jeter would be overstaying his welcome in the Majors.