Has Derek Jeter had a better career than Cal Ripken Jr. so far?

Yes, by far. Career batting average, team success, after all that's what makes up a career. Ripken played a lot of games to be sure but he only played in one world series very early in his career. Nothing after that. He compiled pretty average numbers that only got better because of his longevity. Jeter is a better talent and by the end of his career that will be clear to everyone.

No Jeter is not having a better career than Ripken. The Iron Man is a 2 time league MVP, Jeter has never been MVP. Both were Rookie of the year 82' & 96. Ripken has been an All Star 19 times, only 12 for Jeter. Jeter has 5 rings, Ripken only 1 but still... Jeter was surrounded with better players than Ripken.

Offensively, Jeter has been a better hitter other than HR/RBI totals. Forty points higher BA, 46 higher OBP, 52 higher OPS, and even having hit fewer HR/2B, Jeter is 10 pts higher in SLG. Gold Gloves-Ripken 2, Jeter 4, although GG is an iffy award and Ripken was probably equal field due to superior positioning. Jeter is roughly 350 hit's shy of Ripkens 20 full seasons. Jeter has played 15 full seasons. Jeter is only 17 runs scored short of Ripkens career total.

Baseball Reference HOF standards has Ripken at 58 and Jeter at 65. The avg HOF is 50.

Ripken had 2 MVP, Jeter 0.

It's doubtful Jeter will surpass Ripken in RBI/HR. Ripken had 431 HR, Jeter 232. Won't happen. Ripken 1695 RBI, Jeter 1108. Unlikely he will surpass Ripken.

Advantage-Jeter.

At the same point in there careers Jeter has 500 hits more than Ripken, Ripken had more HR's, but not by a huge margin. Jeter will have more RBI than him by the end of his career and far more hits. Ripken wasn't a very good baserunner and Jeter has stolen about 9 times as many bases already as Ripken did in his entire career. Jeter's average is 40 points higher, but he will probably decline near then end of his career. Ripken had a stronger arm, but was not really a good defensive SS. Jeter will probably have to move to a new position like Ripken did. I think Jeter has had a better career than Ripken in both his regular season statistics and his postseason statistics. Ripken had 1 career postseason HR and only 37 hits.

Why not ask Jeter himself since he followed Ripken in his approach. I don't think a comparison does either justice. Both were the team leaders .Though i am a huge Jeter fan I would pick Ripken the original. I really doubt if Ripken hadn't opened up SS to big men Jeter would be the star he is today.

Cal ripken played more games and has more hits

Yes.