If Jacoby Ellsbury plays a single game in 2020, it will be more than he has played in the past two years combined. But, does he even want to play?
That’s a question the Chicago Cubs front office team of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer need to answer. But, if Ellsbury is interested in playing again, the Cubs are reportedly interested in giving him a shot.
Cubs have considered/discussed Jacoby Ellsbury. Probably a long shot but Cubs have a leadoff issue and Ellsbury is a surprise free agent after being released. JE hasn’t played in 2 years so before moving forward they’d want to gauge his interest/mindset.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 17, 2020
Now, Ellsbury has missed the last two seasons because of hip issues and plantar fasciitis. But he was one of baseball’s premier leadoff men and base stealers. Who knows if he will be able to regain that speed or ability after missing two seasons, being injured, and of being 36-years of age.
If the Cubs were to sign him, it would be to a minor league deal and he would have to prove himself before earning a spot. But, if he can regain some of his previous ability, he would be an upgrade in center and more importantly the leadoff spot.
So, fans will belly moan about the idea, but it is a very low risk, high reward thing. It isn’t a Nicholas Castellanos, heck, it isn’t even a Peter Bourjos… but if he shows any promise at all he would make a great fit on a team that has a ton of Boston roots (Theo, Jed, David Ross, Mike Napoli, etc) and would feel comfortable.
He’s worth the flyer, but shouldn’t get you excited.
