New York Yankees: Jacoby Ellsbury is a Sunk Cost

The New York Yankees are still hoping to get something of value for Jacoby Ellsbury. At this point in his career, he is a sunk cost.

Back when the New York Yankees signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven year, $153 Million contract after the 2013 campaign, it seemed highly unlikely that he would live up to his salary. After all, Ellsbury was an injury prone player who had missed significant time in two of the previous four seasons. However, he was also coming off a solid 2013 season that saw him lead the American League with 52 steals. With the Yankees looking to improve their speed, they set their sights on the Red Sox outfielder.

While one could picture that his contract would be a disaster by the end of the term, no one could have imagined his precipitous drop in production. After a decent first season in pinstripes, Ellsbury has been a disaster. Even when he was healthy, he has failed to produce up to expectations. This season, he has produced a .248/.328/.357 batting line in yet another injury plagued campaign.

With the strong performances of Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier, Aaron Hicks (when healthy himself), and Brett Gardner, there is nowhere for Ellsbury to play. He is not exactly forcing himself into the lineup with his mediocre play thus far either. With another $68 Million due over the next three seasons, Ellsbury has become an extremely expensive fourth outfielder.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

So, what to do with Ellsbury? Naturally, the hope is that some team, desperate for outfield help, will trade for him. Obviously, the Yankees would need to shell out a large sum of cash to cover his salary in order for a trade to even be considered. But is any team actually desperate enough to consider parting with any type of asset for the rotting corpse of Jacoby Ellsbury’s baseball career?

At this point, it is safe to say that Ellsbury is a sunk cost for the Yankees. Barring injuries or a sudden dreadful slump to one of the young outfielders, Ellsbury is not going to get a lot of playing time. And, quite frankly, the Yankees are not going to get anything of any real value for him.

Next: It's okay to dream in Philadelphia

Although, if the New York Yankees are willing to pay Jacoby Ellsbury’s entire salary, my softball team could use an outfielder. Perhaps a pair of socks and a baseball would be enough…