2013 vs 2014 Offense Comparison

Dec 13, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees new center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury answers questions from media during press conference at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Center Field

Jacoby Ellsbury will be a marginal offensive upgrade over Brett Gardner in center field. He is a slightly better baserunner and was worth 11.4 runs last year from both stolen bases and taking the extra base (1st to 3rd on a single, 2nd to home, etc.). As a hitter, he strikes out and walks less than Gardner while having more power (.141 career ISO to .114) Yankee Stadium’s short rightfield porch probably won’t help Ellsbury all that much as a slasher who hits a lot of ground balls and goes the other way. Nonetheless, the signing of Ellsbury improves the center field offensive production slightly while increasing left field production substantially. Center field could see a 5-ish run upgrade.