Yankees: The Top Five Hitters For Your Fantasy Team

Number 4: Jacoby Ellsbury

Ellsbury was an asset to the Yankees last season for one reason; he has been able to stay healthy. The production from Ellsbury over the years from Boston to New York has always been there, but when he is on the field. He missed 14 games for the pinstripes last season versus his 51 that he missed in 2015.

He is always able to generate the statistics that create winning opportunities for the ball club. The Yankee fan base has not seen the same amount of stolen base production that the Red Sox got the pleasure of seeing, but at least he has been able to stay on the field.

The Yankees have seen some of the electrical moments that Ellsbury is known for so hopefully this year can be one in the same. The difference between the Yankees and the Red Sox is that the Yankees just want to see him on the field, keeping him out there if it means an off day every so many days is detrimental to their lineup.

The threat he brings to the base path makes for a nervous unfocused pitcher who now has to throw to two or three of the best hitters in the lineup just to keep Ellsbury from scoring.

Last Season

The statistic that should rise this season and the Yankees could use more of from him is his runs scored. He only scored 71 runs, not exactly the kind of production needed from the number one hole. He had 145 hit in 551 at-bats, the most on the team. He also only had 84 strikeouts, making it evident that he is putting the ball in play. He only stole 20 bases which can be expected to go up a bit this season. He also was caught eight times which is not a good rate for Ellsbury, as he is usually more efficient. He drove in 56 runs, not bad for a leadoff hitter, hit 24 doubles and nine home runs. This was his lowest total of over 140 games played. In such a short right field it would be great to see him get back to the mid teens to low 20s homerun total this season.

Projection

At 33, Ellsbury is projected to hit ten home runs, 22 doubles, four triples, walk 44 times, steal 20 bases, drive-in 49 runs, score 71 runs, totaling 135 hits while striking out 88 times, according to fantasypros.com.

While the Yankee fan base is yearning for much higher production from the leadoff role these totals are going to need to be much higher like I am hoping optimistically, for him to be the number four Yankee hitter that I am projecting he will be. He is expected to score 291 fantasy points.