Jacoby

Ellsbury

The Yankees released Ellsbury back in November following two full missed seasons due to myriad injuries. It’s unclear at this point how healthy he is and how motivated he is to continue his career, so the Cubs still have some research to do before mulling a contract offer. However, with an apparent hole in center field and the leadoff spot and also self-imposed spending limits, Ellsbury is at least worth checking into.

Ellsbury was officially released by the Yankees in November and the team is refusing to pay the $26.142 million that the 36-year-old outfielder was due to make between 2020 and 2021, on the grounds that he violated his contract by getting unauthorized outside medical treatment. There will either be a settlement or the case will be heard by an arbitrator. Ellsbury hasn’t appeared in a game at the MLB level since 2017 due to a variety of injuries, though he apparently wants to continue his playing career next year.

Ellsbury was released by the Yankees earlier this week after he missed each of the last two seasons with myriad injuries. It’s unclear how close he is to being physically ready to play at this point. The Yankees reportedly are not intending to pay Ellsbury the roughly $26 million he’s still owed because he used an outside facility to rehab his injuries, but Ellsbury and the union will obviously fight that. Either way, if a new team signs the 36-year-old they won’t be responsible for that money.

Ellsbury will get $21.14 million to not play for the Yankees in 2020, plus a $5 million buyout of the $21 million he would have been owed in 2021 if New York had picked up his option. Putting it mildly, the signing of Ellsbury has been a failure for the Yankees, as he hasn’t appeared in an MLB game since 2017 due to a plethora of injuries. He’s now free to sign with another team, but it seems unlikely there’ll be much of a market for the 36-year-old outfielder.

Ellsbury hasn’t appeared in a game since 2017 due to a wide variety of injuries. The Yankees still owe him $26.1 million, but it doesn’t sound like he’s in the team’s plans at this point.

“Right now he’s not in a position health wise,” Cashman told reporters at his season-wrapping press conference. Ellsbury has not appeared in a game since the 2017 season due to a variety of physical issues, most notably a torn labrum in his left hip. The 36-year-old outfielder is under contract for 2020 at a rate of $21.142 million. He also carries a $5 million buyout on a $21 million club option for 2021.

Ellsbury is not yet doing baseball activities as he works his way back from a variety of ailments. He remains a long shot to contribute this season.

The move clears a spot for Mike Ford on the 40-man roster. Ellsbury is coming off hip surgery and it’s no telling when he might play for the Yankees again. In fact, the team recently gave away his locker.

Ellsbury reported to camp late after missing all of last season with myriad ailments, but he did resume baseball activities recently. The Yanks aren’t counting on the veteran outfielder this season.

Ellsbury missed the entire 2018 season, requiring hip surgery in August and dealing with plantar fasciitis after that. He’s hoping to play this season, but the Yankees aren’t counting on him at this point. They are still paying him, though. He’s still owed $21.14 million in 2019 and 2020 with a $5 million buyout on his option for 2021.