MLB Trade Rumors: Breaking Down Buzz on Jacoby Ellsbury and Juan Lagares

Jacoby Ellsbury is the odd man out in the New York Yankees outfield. 

That much is clear now that Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks and the ascendant Clint Frazier are all in tow. 

The question, then, is if Ellsbury will languish on the Yankees' bench when the 2018 season opens or if he'll waive his no-trade clause to escape the Bronx and carve out a niche elsewhere. 

According to FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman, the latter is appearing more and more possible.

Specifically, Heyman reported "word now is that he might consider waiving it for a select few teams, and the San Francisco Giants could be one of them."

In theory, it's a good match. 

The Giants have already proved willing to taking on big contracts—just look to the team's acquisition of third baseman Evan Longoria—and making a play for Ellsbury would seem to fit that mode of operation. 

Although he's generally underwhelmed during his time with the Yankees, Ellsbury was solid at the plate last season. In 356 at-bats, the 2011 All-Star slashed .264/.348/.402, with seven home runs, 39 RBI and 22 stolen bases. 

That's acceptable production, to be sure. 

However, it's hardly worth $21,142,857 annually. And considering that's what Ellsbury is owed each season through 2020, it stands to reason the Yankees will have to eat a sizable chunk of cash to facilitate a deal if one ever comes into view. 

Mets Exploring Lagares' Market

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

The New York Mets aren't close to trading Juan Lagares, but Heyman reported they're "taking calls" on their center fielder in the midst of what figures to be a lengthy rebuild. 

The New York Post's Mike Puma confirmed the Mets  "are listening to inquiries," but he cautioned "there is skepticism within the industry the oft-injured outfielder will be dealt this winter."

Contenders in need of outfield depth should understandably be wary of dealing for the former Gold Glover. 

The 28-year-old has appeared in fewer than 100 games each of the past two seasons, and he's been rather inconsistent at the plate since batting a career-high .281 in 2014. 

To that point, Lagares has posted sub.-300 on-base percentages in two of his last three campaigns. 

Lagares has also mustered 3.0 defensive wins above replacement total the past three seasons after registering 3.5 as a rookie and 3.4 in 2014, per Baseball-Reference.com.  

Given those struggles, the Mets' best hope at this point could be for Lagares to stay healthy during the first half of 2018, boost his numbers and watch his stock surge in advance of the trade deadline.