The Mariners have been linked to Jacoby Ellsbury as much as any team not named the Red Sox. Perhaps it’s nothing but speculation.
The Mariners are among several teams interested in Ellsbury, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. However, Seattle isn’t exactly a slam dunk to land Ellsbury, as ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the Mariners’ interest in the 30-year-old center fielder has been overblown.
According to Crasnick, the Mariners are “more immersed” in going after free agents Carlos Beltran, Jhonny Peralta and/or Kendrys Morales at this point. Crasnick reported Tuesday that the Mariners would like to find a way to add both Beltran and Nelson Cruz.
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This isn’t to say that the Mariners aren’t still targeting Ellsbury or that they won’t pick up their pursuit of the long-time Red Sox outfielder at some point. It’s simply to say that Ellsbury heading to the Pacific Northwest is hardly a guarantee, even if it seemingly makes sense on the surface.
Ellsbury is from Oregon, and Seattle is clearly being active on the free-agent market. If the Mariners are looking to really make a splash this offseason, Ellsbury just might be a perfect fit. Agent Scott Boras is reportedly seeking a deal similar to Carl Crawford‘s seven-year, $142 million contract, though, so signing Ellsbury won’t come cheap for any team.
The Yankees, Nationals and Red Sox are among the other teams interested in Ellsbury, according to Heyman.
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