Jacoby Ellsbury is Off the Table

Jacoby Ellsbury (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)

Alright, that was fast. Reports were that Jacoby Ellsbury was going to sign prior to the Winter Meetings, and tonight it happened.

Ellsbury agreed to terms with the New York Yankees, and is now officially off the market. Maybe more importantly, we now have a clearer indication of what the cost will be on other potential outfield options for the Astros such as Curtis Granderson and Nelson Cruz.

On average, Ellsbury’s deal is worth $21.9 million per season, and other than Robinson Cano he will likely be the most expensive free agent this winter to sign a new contract.

My expectation would be that both Cruz and Granderson will command less than Ellsbury both in terms of years and average dollars. From a Yankees perspective, I’m not sure that this is a prudent deal as they overpaid for Ellsbury’s speed, and his health is far from a sure thing. Plus seven years for a player who relies on his legs is a large commitment.  But if any team is going to do it, we know it is going to be the Yankees.

But the big question coming out of this for me, is how does this impact Granderson’s value? Would four years and $60 million get it done? Would you do it?

I certainly would.