According to major league baseball agent Scott Boras, the market is heating up around several of his clients. While the agent may no longer represent clients like Robinson Cano, his free agent Jacoby Ellsbury is getting a lot of attention as teams look to boost their outfield for the coming year. With multiple teams interested, the Detroit Tigers are looking to become a major players by clears payroll space for the All-Star.
While many of the top free agents are holding out to try and get in position for a bigger contract, Boras believes Ellsbury could sign a deal before the winter meetings begin. ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that clubs are in a hurry to talk with Ellsbury in hopes of signing him before next week's meetings. Boras told the reporter that as many as 11 teams had called about his client who put up 48 extra-base hits and 53 RBI in 134 games total.
While the Chicago Cubs and possibly the New York Yankees are expected to make a run at the outfielder, Peter Gammons of MLB.com reports the Detroit Tigers are clearing space to make Ellsbury a nice contract offer.
The Tigers are making the right moves to give them more financial freedom. First, the team traded away the extremely large contract of Prince Fielder, saving the team upwards of $72 million overall. The team got Ian Kinsler in return at a much cheaper price. They also just traded away starting pitcher Doug Fister to the Washington Nationals, clearing $6.9 million off the books for next year.
As of now, the Tigers owe $102.7 million to eight different players in the 2014 season. They have six players that will undergo arbitration. They could receive $32.7 million according to MLBTR. All in all, right now their payroll would be around $140 million, $9 million short of where they were in 2013. Add in some television deals and the Tigers have some money to spend.
Ellsbury is likely going to demand a seven-year deal that could push $120 million or higher. He would be worth the money for the Tigers who currently have Austin Jackson at the position. Ellsbury is an upgrade with his 52 stolen bases and .298 batting average last season. If the Tigers do sign him, Jackson would move to left field and Torii Hunter would play in right.
If Ellsbury is not available, the Tigers may target a player like Shin-Soo Choo. He could easily play left field, keeping Jackson at center and would certainly be a cheaper option. Ellsbury is the better defensive player of the two outfielders, but it depends how much Detroit is willing to commit and spend.
