New York Yankees: Predicting 2017 Team Award Winners

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Feb 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) poses for a photo during photo day at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

– Least Valuable Player

One of the biggest disappointments for the Yankees in recent years has been center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. The Yankees made a huge mistake when they offered an expensive, long-term contract to Ellsbury a few years ago.

After some good seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Ellsbury was overpaid by the Yankees, and he hasn’t come close to living up to that contract. With the Red Sox, Ellsbury was an effective leadoff hitter. While he did have one great season in the home run department, Ellsbury is a player that relies on his speed.

In his final season with the Red Sox, Ellsbury was able to total 52 stolen bases. For the Yankees, his highest total was just 39 in his first year in the Bronx. The last two seasons, Ellsbury has totaled 21 and 20 stolen bases.

Even though Ellsbury was able to stay healthy last season, he didn’t produce for the Yankees. In 148 games last season, Ellsbury totaled a .263 batting average, which isn’t very good for a leadoff hitter.

At 33-years-old, Ellsbury is past his prime as a player who relies on speed. For the 2017 season, expect to see Ellsbury as a big disappointment once again for the Yankees.

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