New York Yankees: Brian Cashman Wants Jacoby Ellsbury to Produce

The New York Yankees haven’t received the production that they would have liked from Jacoby Ellsbury. General manager Brian Cashman wants him to be better.

One of the worst signings for the New York Yankees was the decision to sign Jacoby Ellsbury from the Boston Red Sox. In the same offseason that the Yankees saw Robinson Cano leave, they instead decided to pay Ellsbury at a ton of money.

Ellsbury was often injured with the Boston Red Sox, but his production was usually good. With the Yankees, that has not been the case. After giving Ellsbury a seven-year deal, the Yankees need Ellsbury to be better in center field.

On WFAN via NJ.com, Cashman discussed that Ellsbury must be better for the Yankees in 2017.

"“Well, I certainly hope so. Last year, he got 626 plate appearances and he was healthy. We’re certainly looking for more from him. I think he’s capable of more. He’s a very dynamic, gifted player that, I don’t think … I think we’ve seen sporadic times where he’s put it all together but certainly, would like to get what Boston had gotten out of him. He’s older now, obviously. He’s going to play this year at 33.”"

In the interview with Mike Francesa, Cashman noted that he doesn’t mind that Ellsbury hasn’t had the power we once saw with the Red Sox. However, Cashman doesn’t think that the Yankees’ offense needs that.

"“We’re not looking for the type of power, but between the defense and the offensive capability and the ability to steal bases. Again, he’s an exciting, dynamic player that I think has not — we haven’t tapped into it enough yet here in New York. But obviously hopefully in 2017, we’ll have a chance to do that. We certainly could use it.”"

Last season, Ellsbury was able to stay healthy for the Yankees. However, his production wasn’t very good. In 2016, Ellsbury totaled a .263 batting average, nine home runs, and 20 stolen bases. His .330 on-base percentage also isn’t very good for a top of the order hitter.

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If the Yankees are going to be successful in 2017, having Ellsbury play better would certainly help that. Moving Ellsbury would be nearly impossible, which means he needs to find a way to produce.