Yankees Plan to Not Pay Jacoby Ellsbury as Alleged Steroid-Related Details Emerge From Grievance
By Sean Facey
The Yankees aren't done with Jacoby Ellsbury just yet.
New York has filed a grievance against the former outfielder following his release from the team and, after it was first reported the team was trying to convert the remaining money on his contract into non-guaranteed money, they're now looking to not pay him altogether.
Yankees plan not to pay Jacoby Ellsbury for 2020 after releasing him. JE would then be the one to file grievance to recover the $26M withheld by team. NYY claim is JE used outside nonapproved docs. Hasn’t played in 2 yrs @nypostsports 1st reported NYY will try to recoup $
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 22, 2019
According to the Yankees' grievance, Ellsbury apparently sought unauthorized treatment while trying to recover from injury. It could potentially be related to steroid usage.
Yankees to file a grievance seeking to convert Ellsbury contract to non guaranteed after learning he sought unauthorized treatment for injuries. Could be steroids related
— billmadden1954 (@bmadden1954) November 22, 2019
From a production standpoint, it's understandable why the Yankees are going after him for seeking outside treatment. After all, it could have contributed to his extended absence from the diamond.
Whatever he tried to do clearly didn't work, considering he hasn't played in a major league game since 2017, but clearing his money could also have a huge impact on how the Yankees approach the offseason.
Ellsbury is due just over $26 million for next year, the last year of his seven-year, $153 million deal that he signed prior to the 2014 season. Paying out his remaining contract would severely hamper the Yankees' free agency allowance.
#Yankees looking to recoup some of the money they owe Jacoby Ellsbury https://t.co/IogEJkuoes
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 22, 2019
However, if they could wipe that money off of the books on the grounds that he tried to work around the system, it could open them up to an abundance of talent ripe for the picking.
The details of the situation are still murky, but there's no denying what a game-changer this would be for New York if they managed to recover his salary.