Jacoby Ellsbury's Yankees Future in Doubt at 40-Man Roster Deadline
By Mark Powell
The Yankees are reportedly willing to swallow over $20 million to let a former All-Star walk.
Jacoby Ellsbury has been utterly useless for the New York Yankees, and that's not an exaggeration. After signing a seven-year contract in 2014, Ellsbury's barely seen action for injury reasons.
With the deadline to set the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 Draft set for 8 p.m. ET, the Yankees reportedly at the very least considered cutting the expensive 36-year-old.
From @GeorgeAKingIII and me: The #Yankees are strongly considering a release of Jacoby Ellsbury by tonight's 40-man roster deadline. https://t.co/0c2XrEiIU0
— Ken Davidoff (@KenDavidoff) November 21, 2019
Even with room in the outfield due to the impending departure of veteran Brett Gardner and the injury to Aaron Hicks, the Yankees can't afford to wait around for what would amount to an unproven talent.
Ellsbury's contract is uninsured, meaning the Yankees gain nothing by keeping him on the roster. The $20+ million it would cost to release Ellsbury does count towards their luxury tax, which might limit the money they have to play with in free agency.
The article says the last year on Ellsbury's contract is not insured. No reason to keep him in that case. Just move on.
— ?? forever (@RiverAveBlues) November 21, 2019
Cashman's latest comments on Ellsbury left things very up in the air entering an important offseason.
“It’s hard to say based on how things have played out,” Cashman said at the time. “Right now he’s not someone in a position health-wise where I can answer anything in the affirmative.”
Once a prized acquisition, Ellsbury's time in the Bronx might be coming to a close.