What does the team do with Jacoby Ellsbury?
This is a rather simple choice, as there are three options.
The front office moves him to a team willing to take him despite an enormous contract – Yankees can pay for it. Cashman keeps him and hopes the outfielder rebounds in 2018. Or New York dumps him, eats up his contract and allows a minor-leaguer the opportunity to take his spot.
None of the options are spectacular, as the club will have to pay him the millions they owe him no mater what. But the question surrounds whether the team would rather have him on the roster or another player stuck in Triple-A, like Clint Frazer or Jake Cave.
Thus far, only three teams knowingly disclosed their interest in the 34-year-old veteran – Baltimore, San Francisco, and Arizona. All are virtually in need of an extra outfielder and could benefit from a guy that used to hit better than .280 and swipe more than 40 bags a year.
But Ellsbury’s no-trade clause also stands in the way between him and a new home.
Ellsbury’s numbers with the Yankees are not appalling, but they aren’t impressive either. He sports a .264 average and has racked up 102 stolen bases during his four years in the Bronx. His speed is no longer-game changing, and his ability at the plate is diminishing.
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Nevertheless, Ellsbury motivated himself to improve based on rumors this offseason. He wants a shot to become the everyday center fielder once again.
That might not be an option, as Aaron Hicks’ defense propelled him into the starting spot. However, Hicks isn’t a consistently productive hitter so that Ellsbury can work his way into the lineup in that way.
But the outfielder won’t be worth more than $21 million sitting on the bench. If the Yankees had to rank their options, a trade might be the best one. They could receive a starting pitcher in return for Ellsbury, even if they have to pay most of the left-handed hitter’s contract. A roster spot would open up as well.
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New York should be able to get something in return. But for all anyone knows, Ellsbury could become relevant again in the big leagues. The Yankees may give him one last chance.