The New York Yankees are slowly piecing together their team for the 2018 season. But one player who won’t have set playing time is $153 Million man Jacoby Ellsbury.
During day two of the General Manager Meetings, Brian Cashman revealed the starting outfield for the upcoming season would be Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, and Aaron Judge. That means barring a trade, Ellsbury would be the fourth outfielder.
Cashman all but said Ellsbury will be the fourth outfielder going into next season … which isn’t a total shock, considering his usage in the playoffs.
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) November 14, 2017
With Ellsbury as the fourth outfielder, many pondered what would happen to Clint Frazier, who was supposed to be in the outfield picture as early as next season. Unfortunately with Ellsbury on the roster, Frazier is currently blocked from acquiring a starting job. It is possible Frazier could start the season at Triple-A.
Cashman said that Clint Frazier is basically blocked. He’s a depth piece “with ceiling” should he be needed. Obv, OF looks like Hicks-Gardner-Judge
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) November 14, 2017
There is the option of trading Ellsbury over the course of the winter, but Cashman revealed he hasn’t spoken to Ellsbury’s agent Scott Boras regarding his no-trade clause. Cashman spoke to Boras about waiving Brian McCann‘s no-trade clause prior to trading the veteran catcher last offseason.
Cashman said he hasn’t talked to Ellsbury’s agent, Scott Boras, about Ellsbury potentially waiving his no-trade. Had to talk to McCann’s agent about the same thing last year.
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) November 14, 2017
Ellsbury is owed roughly $63 Million over the next three seasons, and it’s very slim the Yankees will pick up his option in 2020. Still, it seems the Yankees are all but ready to move on from him.
If only they could find a taker for the remainder of his contract.
