On Friday afternoon, the New York Yankees will welcome the Miami Marlins to Yankee Stadium for their highly anticipated home opener. The Bronx Bombers are off to a strong start this season, with a 5-1 record in their first six games, placing them at the top of the American League East. As the Yankees gear up to take on the Marlins, there is one player who will be noticeably absent from the field – former Yankees All-Star, Jacoby Ellsbury.
Ellsbury, who played for the Yankees from 2014 to 2019, is currently a free agent in Major League Baseball (MLB). Despite being a four-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Ellsbury has yet to find a new team for the 2020 season. This has left many fans wondering: why is a player with such a successful track record still without a team?
The answer lies in a combination of factors, including injuries and a high salary. Ellsbury’s time with the Yankees was plagued by injuries, with the outfielder missing the entire 2018 and 2019 seasons due to hip and foot injuries. This not only affected his playing time, but also his performance on the field. When he did play, Ellsbury struggled to live up to the expectations of his hefty contract, which was worth $153 million over seven years.
Despite these challenges, Ellsbury’s former teammates and coaches have nothing but praise for him. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has described Ellsbury as a “great teammate” and “great player” who always gave his all on the field. Pitcher CC Sabathia, who played with Ellsbury for five seasons, has also spoken highly of him, saying, “He was a great player for us. He was a great guy in the clubhouse.”
So why hasn’t Ellsbury found a new team? Some speculate that his high salary demands may be a deterrent for teams, especially in light of his recent injury history. Others believe that teams may be hesitant to take a chance on a player who hasn’t played in over a year. However, there is still hope for Ellsbury to make a comeback in the MLB.
Despite being 36 years old, Ellsbury has reportedly been working hard to get back into playing shape. In December 2019, he held a private workout for teams to showcase his skills and prove that he is ready to return to the field. While he has yet to sign with a team, his determination and passion for the game are evident.
As the Yankees prepare for their home opener, it’s clear that Ellsbury’s absence will be felt by both the team and the fans. However, his former teammates and coaches have no doubt that he will find a new team and make a strong comeback in the MLB. And with his talent and drive, there’s no doubt that he will continue to be a valuable asset to any team he joins.
In the meantime, the Yankees will continue to dominate on the field, with a strong lineup and a dedicated fan base. The team’s home opener is sure to be an exciting event, with fans eagerly cheering on their favorite players. And while Ellsbury may not be on the field with them, his legacy as a Yankee will always be remembered and celebrated.
So as we eagerly await the start of the home opener, let’s not forget about Jacoby Ellsbury and the impact he had on the New York Yankees. Despite his current status as a free agent, his time with the team was filled with memorable moments and contributions to their success. And as he continues to work towards a comeback, we can all look forward to seeing him back on the field and making an impact once again in the MLB.