Now that Jason Bay is gone, we can delve into some outfield options for the Mets. Will they make a big push to sign Melky Cabrera or Cody Ross? Will they attempt to re-sign Scott Hairston? Will they pursue a trade for Justin Upton or Shin-Soo Choo?
One outfielder who probably won’t be an option is Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Red Sox will listen to offers on all their players including Ellsbury, but with the team already in need of two outfielders, it’s difficult to see Ellsbury going anywhere.
Ellsbury is coming off an injury shortened season in 2012 that saw him bat .273 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 72 games.
However, in 2011, the 29-year old centerfielder produced the best season of his career batting .321 with 32 home runs, 105 RBI, 39 stolen bases, a .921 OPS and an 8.0 WAR. He also won a Gold Glove that season.
The bottom line is that Ellsbury is a player you keep, not a player you trade, and I’m betting the Red Sox will work out an extension with him before the start of next season.
As good as he’d look on the Mets, it’s not happening unless Wheeler or Harvey are on the table just for starters.
