As rumors swirl in Chicago about the Cubs’ desire to make a big move , the front office is reportedly also looking towards free agency to find help. Specifically, the Cubs have discussed free-agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.
Chicago’s front office is reportedly giving consideration to Ellsbury after he was released by the New York Yankees, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. However, it remains a long shot that the former All-Star outfielder would join the Cubs.
New York released Ellsbury in November after he failed to live up to his original seven-year, $153 million contract. Signed in 2013 with hopes he would remain a star in center field, Ellsbury’s body quickly broke down due to multiple injuries.
He missed the 2018 season with an oblique strain and a hip injury before a torn labrum cost him the entire season. Ellsbury then missed all of 2019 due to a foot injury.
MLB teams will likely first need to see if Ellsbury is interested in returning to the game. If he is and his body is healthy, he would likely need to settle for a minor-league contract and need to prove himself in spring training.
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