The Yankees generally aren’t regarded as a standout defensive team. The New York teams of the mid-aughts made headlines for piling up wins in spite of one of history’s worst defenses. Despite recently fielding plenty of players with strong defensive reputations, from Brett Gardner to Chase Headley to Mark Teixeira, the team still hasn’t posted an above average defensive value since 2011.
Is there any reason to believe that’s changed? In 2017, we have more ways then ever to capture the defensive proclivity of every major leaguer. The newest, shiniest way is Statcast’s catch probability.