New York Yankees: Trading Jacoby Ellsbury Is Only Way To Win World Series
The New York Yankees made major moves this offseason but their past is coming back to haunt them. Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury decided he wanted to stay a member of the Yankees and not waive his NTC, and who can really blame him? Ellsbury is set to make $68 million over the next three years and in his mind according to NJ.com, he’s an important piece to the Yankees winning the World Series.
Truth be told, Ellsbury could very well be the missing link but it won’t come from his production or lack thereof at the plate. The only way Ellsbury can help the Yankees win a World Series is by allowing Brian Cashman to trade him.
[MarkAds]This offseason, the Yankees swung for the fences. After pulling off a major deal for Miami Marlins’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees tried turning their attention to the pitching staff. With MLB rumors buzzing with a possible deal for Gerrit Cole, Jake Arrieta, and Yu Darvish, all the Yankees needed was Ellsbury to approve the trade. No such luck. He stood his ground and the Yankees watched their top three pitching prospects sign with other teams. Thanks, Ellsbury!
With the offseason moves, the Yankees outfield is loaded with Stanton, Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, and Brett Gardner. Ellsbury had to see the writing on the wall once the Stanton deal went through and now he’s acting like a kid without Christmas presents. What Ellsbury may see is a spot in the outfield with Stanton’s injury history, but the Yankees have an answer for that with Clint Frazier. It’s not so much so that the Yankees can’t use another outfielder, it’s the point that Ellsbury, according to Sports Reference, has not provided the stolen bases he was brought in to get.
Yankees Must Trade Jacoby Ellsbury Before It’s Too Late
This season has been a waste for both the Yankees and Ellsbury. He has yet to make any contributions to the team thus hurting Cashman’s chances of moving him during the trade deadline. With the Yankees possibly looking to make a move on another starting pitcher, they will need someone to take Ellsbury’s contract off their hands.
The offense is thriving but the pitching staff must be upgraded. Masahiro Tanaka has had his troubles and CC is well, he’s CC. While Luis Severino is making a case for Cy Young, the Yankees may be in the market for someone to replace Sonny Gray in the rotation. There are rumors that Cashman could go after Cole Hamels or possibly look to make a deal for someone else. The issue is still Ellsbury, his money, and his unwillingness to move on.
If Ellsbury will let go of his ego, the Yankees would find themselves in a position to make a World Series type deal like the Houston Astros did with Justin Verlander last season.
Jacoby Ellsbury is playing it safe. However, for the New York Yankees, they need him to take one for the team and leave.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
