Ellsbury could get $100 million and then some in his free agency

Sam Galanis
Contributing Writer

No matter where Jacoby Ellsbury ends up during his free agency this offseason, one thing's for sure: He’s going to get a huge contract.

AP Photo/Elise Amendola
Jon Heyman of CBSSports named Ellsbury number two on his list of the top 50 MLB free agents, right after Robinson Cano of course. Many MLB teams are expected to come running for Ellsbury, but the centerfielder also comes with agent Scott Boras, which means he comes with a huge price tag.

Some AL executives think wherever Ellsbury deals, his contract will look more like Braves outfielder B.J. Upton’s $75.2 million, five-year contract. But Heyman said that’s “optimistic” and expects that they’ll ask for at least $100 million for Ellsbury. Not only that, he thinks that there’s a good chance he’ll get it.

“The Red Sox are low-keying their interest,” Heyman said. “But Jackie Bradley Jr. isn't proven as a major-league center fielder, so they would be in the game at the right price.” Heyman said the Mariners, Cubs, and Blue Jays, along with others, will probably be seen in the race to acquire Ellsbury.

Heyman called the Yankees a “wild card” in the situation, as they’ve been looking to get their payroll below $189 million, and Ellsbury would certainly not help them in that area.




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