“We’re very proud to bring a dynamic player, someone who can make a difference on the offense and defensive side, and we look forward to him being one of many pieces to do a very important puzzle as we move forward in our efforts to continue the winning tradition here, and we look forward to a lot of enjoyment in the coming years here in the Bronx.“
Brian Cashman, December 13th 2013 at Ellsbury’s Introductory Press Conference
After missing the playoffs for only the 2nd time in 19yrs and finishing with a record of 85-77, their worst since 1992, the 2013 New York Yankees season was a complete disaster and unacceptable in the eyes of the fanbase and ownership. How would the Evil Empire respond to defeat, debacle, and humiliation? Simple answer, with their checkbooks.
On December 3rd, the Yankees made their first high profile signing, inking former Braves catcher, Brian McCann, to a 5yr/$85 million contract. Just a few days later they struck again, signing longtime Boston Red Sox and the first American Indian of Navajo descent to reach the major leagues, Jacoby Ellsbury, to a whopping 7yr/$153 million deal, the third richest contract ever given to an outfielder. Finally, they wrapped up their assault on the free-agent market by signing veteran Carlos Beltran for 3yrs/$45 million.
Now we all know the story of 2014. Despite these big free agent signings, the Yankees finished with a record of 84-78 (1 game worse than 2013), once again missed the playoffs, and the only high point of the season was Derek Jeter’s walk-off single in a meaningless final game of the year and the last of DJ’s Hall of Fame career. By 2016, it was clear that none of the 2013 signings would yield a World Series, resulting in Brian Cashman trading Beltran to the Rangers in August and McCaan to the Astros in November, signaling the Bronx had officially begun a rebuild.
Unfortunately, despite Cashman’s best efforts, he simply could never get rid of Ellsbury and his historically bad contract. The Yankees finally ended their nightmare on Wednesday by releasing Ellsbury, who hasn’t played a game since 2017 and is still owed $21 million for next season plus a $5 million buyout for 2021.
As we officially put Mr. Ellsbury out to pasture, let’s take a look back at what the Yankees ultimately ended up getting for their investment:
- 2014: 149 games, .271 BA, 156 Hits, 70 RBI’s, 16 HR’s, Missed Playoffs
- 2015: 111 games, .257 BA, 116 Hits, 33 RBI’s, 7 HR’s, Lost In Wild Card Game
- 2016: 148 games, .263 BA, 145 Hits, 56 RBI’s, 9 HR’s, Missed Playoffs
- 2017: 112 games, .264 BA, 94 Hits, 39 RBI’s, 7 HR’s, Lost In ALCS – Jacoby had only 12 plate appearances in 13 games and contributed 0 hits
- 2018: 0 games, had surgery on his hip
- 2019: 0 games, had about 15 different injuries
- 2020: Might attempt a comeback, but will likely hang out on his couch
- 2021: After failed comeback attempt in 2020, officially retires and moves to Costa Rica
There you have it folks. All in all, the Yankees paid Jacoby Ellsbury $153 million for 520 games ($294,230 per game), a few stolen bases, and 7 trips to the DL. So farewell to you Jacoby, I hope you enjoy that $153 million (if you haven’t already spent it all on medical bills).
161st and Rivera 