Overview

Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury, born on September 11, 1983, is a former professional baseball center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Boston Red Sox from 2007 to 2013 and the New York Yankees from 2014 to 2017. Ellsbury is an enrolled member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes and is believed to be the first Native American of Navajo descent to play in Major League Baseball. During his MLB career, Ellsbury was known for his speed, base-stealing abilities, and defensive skills. In 2011, he had a standout season, earning the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award, a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger Award. He was also named to the American League All-Star team and finished as runner-up for the American League Most Valuable Player Award. Before his professional career, he played college baseball at Oregon State University and was drafted by the Red Sox in 2005. After the 2013 season, Ellsbury signed a seven-year contract with the New York Yankees for $153 million. However, injuries plagued his time with the Yankees, and he was eventually released in 2019. Throughout his career, Ellsbury has been involved in charitable work, particularly with Native American youth.

New York Yankees

Center Fielder (Former)

What Is Jacoby Ellsbury’s Net Worth?

Jacoby Ellsbury, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player, has a net worth of $50 million. He is known for his time with the Boston Red Sox (2007-2013) and the New York Yankees (2014-2017).

Jacoby Ellsbury’s Career Earnings and Contract Details

Jacoby Ellsbury accumulated significant wealth throughout his MLB career. As of 2025, his career earnings are estimated to be $175.7 million.

  • Boston Red Sox (2006-2013): $22,332,000
  • New York Yankees (2014-2021): $153,350,000

Ellsbury’s most lucrative contract was a seven-year, $153 million deal with the New York Yankees signed in December 2013. The contract had an average annual salary of $21,857,143. Even though he was released by the Yankees on November 20, 2019, the team was initially responsible for his $21 million salary for 2020 and a $5 million buyout for the 2021 season. The Yankees attempted to avoid paying this amount, alleging unauthorized medical care, but the MLB Players Association filed a grievance, and the matter was later settled.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury was born on September 11, 1983, in Madras, Oregon. During his time at Madras High School, Ellsbury excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. He set a state high school batting average record of .567 and holds the Oregon record for stealing seven bases in a game. After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 23rd round of the 2002 MLB Draft but not signing, he attended Oregon State University.

At Oregon State University, Ellsbury played college baseball for three years. In 2005, he batted .406 with six home runs, 48 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. He was named a First-Team All-American and was a first-round MLB Draft selection by the Boston Red Sox as the 23rd overall pick in the 2005 draft. He completed his Oregon State career with a .365 batting average, 37 doubles, eight triples, 16 home runs, 101 RBI and 60 stolen bases.

MLB Career Highlights

Ellsbury made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox on June 30, 2007. His career statistics include a .284 batting average, 104 home runs, 512 runs batted in, and 343 stolen bases.

  • 2007: Made MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox.
  • 2007: World Series Champion.
  • 2008 and 2009: Led the American League in stolen bases. In 2009, he stole 70 bases, setting a Red Sox franchise record.
  • 2011: Won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award and was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year. He also became the first Red Sox player in history to join the 30-30 club (32 home runs and 39 stolen bases). Additionally, he was the runner-up for the American League MVP Award.
  • 2013: Led the American League in stolen bases and won his second World Series title with the Red Sox.

In 2011, Ellsbury had a career-best season, finishing with a .321 batting average, 32 home runs, 105 RBIs and 39 stolen bases.

Post-Playing Career and Financials

After being released by the Yankees in November 2019, Ellsbury did not sign with another team and effectively ended his MLB career. Despite not playing after 2017 due to various injuries, he continued to receive his contracted salary until the settlement with the Yankees. In November 2019, the Yankees released Ellsbury and withheld the $26 million remaining on his contract, claiming he used an outside rehab facility without their permission.

Even after his baseball career concluded, Ellsbury’s financial matters continued to make headlines. The Yankees’ initial refusal to pay the remaining amount on his contract led to a grievance filed by the MLBPA, which was later settled, ensuring Ellsbury received the money owed.

Endorsements

In 2014, Jacoby Ellsbury earned $300,000 in endorsements. He has endorsement deals with Taco Bell and Nike.

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