Yankees SS Didi Gregorius was a "hit with marketers this year," as his strong showing and "infectious personality" landed him new deals with Wix.com, Delta, Banana Republic, Stance and Planters, according to Kurt Badenhausen of FORBES. Gregorius' new pacts are in addition to his endemic sponsors Nike, Mizuno and Louisville Slugger, and the new deals "should push his estimated annual off-field income north of $500,000." Gregorius "offers sponsors a unique package." He "speaks four languages and has a growing social media presence where he celebrates Yankees wins on Twitter with emojis representing different Yankees stars." Gregorius has also been a "man of the people this summer" in N.Y. He "handed out tickets to fans at a midtown street corner in a promotion" with Planters and Boxed Wholesale. He was "featured in a socks and selfies event at Stance’s SoHo location" where he "posed with Yankees fans." He also "handed out free swipes on the subway and made burritos in a digital campaign to secure an All-Star spot" (FORBES.com, 10/11). The Yankees defeated the Indians 5-2 last night to advance to the ALCS, and in N.Y., John Harper writes ALDS Game 5 was a "showcase" for Gregorius, who hit two home runs "in a Derek Jeter-worthy October performance" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/12).
