Only 26 regular season games are left in the New York Yankees' 2014 MLB season -- and 26 games left in the career of one of the greatest Yankees of all time.

Derek Jeter, the all-time Yankees hits leader who won five World Series titles with the Yankees to go with 14 MLB All-Star appearances in the pinstripes, will be hanging up his cleats for good when the legendary shortstop retires at the end of the season, which might be on Sept. 28 if the Yankees fall short in their postseason bid to earn the AL Wild Card.

While the loss of Jeter's leadership, clutch ability, heart and class will be sorely missed by the franchise and its fans, the biggest loss will undoubtedly be the vacuum left at the shortstop position, which Jeter has reliably occupied since his 1996 rookie year. Jeter is a once-in-a-generation talent, one of the all-time greats, so replacing him is damn near impossible when considering the Brobdingnagian-like legacy left behind by the man dubbed "The Captain" and "Mr. November" by Yankee faithful. However, life goes on and so must the Yankees' never-ending quest to add more World Series championships to the 27 already won by the most successful organization in baseball.

Finding a replacement for Jeter won't be easy, but the Yankees have some options. There is promising minor league prospect Carlos Correa, but in case the Yankees want to wait a little longer to develop Correa, there are several nice options on the MLB free agent market this winter.

Can any of these pending free agents fill the hole at shortstop that will be left by Jeter next season? Latin Post takes a look at the top candidates in free agency that New York could go after to replace their iconic star:

Hanley Ramirez

In terms of hitting, there's very little that the 30-year-old Samana, Dominican Republic-born star hasn't done. A three-time MLB All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger winner and former batting and runs scored champion, Ramirez has been having a slower season at the plate this year, batting only .262 with 13 homers and 60 RBIs. But make no mistake, Ramirez will be arguably the most sought-after shortstop on the free agency market this winter. And with the Yankees' offense starving for hitters that pack a punch, Ramirez filling in at shortstop might not be a bad place to start in rejuvenating New York's anemic offense.

Jimmy Rollins

One of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Philadelphia Phillies, Rollins, a former NL MVP in 2007, guided the Phillies to the 2008 World Series title and two World Series appearances, while helping Philadelphia lock up five straight NL East division crowns. The 35-year-old is having a down year this season, batting only .246 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs. However, he has shown some signs of life over his last few at-bats, hinting that there may be something still left in the three-time All-Star's tank after all. He wouldn't be a long-term replacement for Jeter, but Rollins would be able to do the job if the Yankees are thinking short-term fix for a World Series push next season. Plus, Rollins' four Gold Gloves proves he's as good with a glove as he is with a bat, and he could buy the Yankees time to bring up promising shortstop prospect Correa.

J.J. Hardy

He's never hit for 100 RBIs, but J.J. Hardy is a bad boy at the plate. One of the most versatile shortstops in all of baseball, he's hit for an average of 25 or more homers for the last three seasons and won two straight Gold Gloves to boot. His contract with the Baltimore Orioles comes off the books at the end of the season, and while the O's aren't likely to let him go so easily, the Yankees can outmatch just about anyone with their massive wallets. Hardy would add stability and some nice pop to the Yankees offense. But it all depends on how much New York wants to spend this offseason. Just because they can break the bank on Hardy doesn't mean they will.

Rafael Furcal

Yeah, it's risky taking a chance on a 32-year-old shortstop just coming off season-ending hamstring surgery, which cut short Furcal's 2014 season. But the Lorna de Cabrera, Dominican Republic-born star has both a solid bat and postseason experience, boasting a World Series ring from his time with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. And experience with a solid bat are two things that the Yankees sorely need and will miss with Jeter retiring. Getting Furcal might be a bit of a risk at this point, but chances are that he'll likely have a solid comeback season next year, and when you factor in his October pedigree, going after Furcal seems like a no-brainer for the Bronx Bombers.

For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter

FOR MORE MLB NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE

WANT TO HEAR MORE FROM ANGEL? LIKE HIM ON FACEBOOK

Related